US Eases Venezuela Telecom Sanctions With General Licence 61
Venezuela · TELECOMS
Key Facts
- —Issue date 21 August 2026
- —Issuing body US Treasury’s OFAC
- —Scope Telecom goods, technology, software, and services
- —State entities covered Conatel, Cantv, Movilnet
- —Restriction No new investment under this licence
The new licence eases telecom trade with Venezuela, but core financial restrictions remain in place.
The United States has eased Venezuela telecom sanctions with General Licence 61, a new permission from the Treasury’s sanctions office, OFAC. The licence, issued on 21 August 2026, authorises the supply of telecom goods and services to Venezuela.
What General Licence 61 Allows
General Licence 61 permits transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to supplying telecoms. That means goods, technology, software or services, from the United States or by a US person.
This covers installing, maintaining, refurbishing, repairing, upgrading, operating, or supporting telecommunications in Venezuela. The licence also covers dealings with the Government of Venezuela and named state entities.
Those include Conatel, the telecoms regulator, and Cantv, the state telephone company. Movilnet, the mobile arm of Cantv, is also included.
Conditions for State Contracts
For contracts with the Government of Venezuela, including Conatel and Cantv, the licence sets specific legal conditions. Contract terms must be governed by the law of a US state or another US jurisdiction.
In addition, any dispute resolution must take place in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, or Singapore. These conditions aim to provide legal clarity for US companies.
No New Investment Under This Licence
However, General Licence 61 does not authorise new investment in the telecom sector. That is addressed separately by another licence, General Licence 62.
General Licence 62 allows the negotiation and signing of contingent contracts for new telecom investment, including with Conatel and Cantv. Still, performance of any such contract needs separate OFAC authorisation.
The licence does not authorise the money actually being spent.
Background of Telecom Sanctions
Under the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 591, such transactions were generally prohibited. That covered the Government of Venezuela, including Conatel and Cantv, unless exempt or licensed.
Telecom dealings previously ran under earlier licences such as General Licence 24 and 24A. Therefore, General Licence 61 represents a targeted easing for telecommunications.
Core financial and investment restrictions stay in place unless separately authorised.
How General Licences Work
A general licence is a blanket permission OFAC publishes, so companies do not have to apply one by one. This simplifies the process for US firms wanting to engage in telecom activities in Venezuela.
In fact, the licence is designed to facilitate the supply of essential telecom services while maintaining oversight.
Media Coverage of the Licence
El Nacional reported on 21 August 2026 that OFAC was easing sanctions and authorising telecom operations in Venezuela. The report noted the conditions attached to dealings with Conatel and Cantv.
Overall, the move is seen as a step toward normalising telecom relations, though the sanctions programme remains largely intact.
The Role of Conatel and Cantv
Conatel is Venezuela’s telecoms regulator, and Cantv is the state telephone company. Movilnet, its mobile arm, is also covered by the licence.
Because these entities are part of the Government of Venezuela, they were previously subject to broad prohibitions. The new licence eases those restrictions for telecom-related transactions.
What Remains Restricted
Despite the easing, the licence does not lift the wider sanctions programme. Financial and investment restrictions continue to apply unless separately authorised.
For example, new investment in the telecom sector is not permitted under General Licence 61. Companies must seek separate authorisation for any such investment.
Implications for Telecom Companies
For US companies, General Licence 61 provides a clear path to supply telecom goods and services to Venezuela. They can now engage in activities like maintenance and upgrades without individual licences.
Meanwhile, those interested in new investment must look to General Licence 62, which allows contingent contracts but not actual spending. As a result, the immediate impact is on operational, not investment, activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does General Licence 61 authorise?
General Licence 61 authorises transactions to supply telecom goods, technology, software, or services to Venezuela. This includes installing, maintaining, and upgrading telecom infrastructure.
Does General Licence 61 allow new investment in Venezuela’s telecom sector?
No, General Licence 61 does not authorise new investment. New investment is covered separately by General Licence 62, which allows contingent contracts but not actual spending.
Which Venezuelan entities are covered by General Licence 61?
The licence covers transactions involving the Government of Venezuela, including Conatel, the telecoms regulator, and Cantv, the state telephone company. Movilnet, the mobile arm, is also included.
What conditions apply to contracts with Conatel and Cantv under General Licence 61?
Contracts must be governed by the law of a US state or another US jurisdiction. Dispute resolution must take place in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, or Singapore.
Connected Coverage
Sources: US Treasury OFAC; El Nacional; sanctions trade press.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
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