Resolution 1,495 of the Directorate of Industry and Industrial Parks, accessed by Convergencialatina, adds seven new economic activities covered by the benefits established under the Investment Incentive Regime (RINI), created by the province of Entre Ríos through Law No. 11,162. Among them is the construction of fiber-optic supply networks.

As for the scope of the activity, it includes subscription TV operators that provide TV signal transmission over fiber optics, as well as internet service providers that deliver internet signal transmission over fiber optics.

The resolution also sets the indicators that will be considered for evaluating projects. In this case, to measure the growth of FTTH networks, the following indicators will be taken into account: length of the deployment (kilometers of fiber optics), covered area measured in city blocks, density (number of current and new access points the company will have to provide internet and/or TV service), the number of blocks covered and to be covered to provide the services, the increase in capital-goods investment involved in the project, and the increase in labor involved, considering employees hired on a full-time, open-ended basis.

The Cámara Argentina de Internet (Cabase) led the coordination of conversations and meetings between ISPs and authorities in Entre Ríos, and these contributions were taken into account in drafting the regulation. Fanny Lospennato, its executive director, told Convergencialatina that the chamber’s intention is to expand this type of measure nationwide, so that other provinces adopt these incentives, as Entre Ríos has already done.

The RINI establishes a series of benefits divided into tax benefits, through exemptions of up to 100% in provincial taxes and increases in the taxable base of gross income; energy benefits, including refunds on consumption; financial benefits, giving priority in state procurement; and administrative benefits, through fiscal stability. In addition, Entre Ríos adheres to the Incentives Regime for Large Investments (RIGI).

Cultural activities. Resolution 1,495 also expands the scope of cultural activities. It adds the production of films and videotapes—whether for direct screening or television transmission or for those carrying out auxiliary support activities—and the exhibition of films and videotapes.