What is Matter and why is it important for smart home?

Matter is a unified connectivity standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) that enables smart home devices from different brands to work together regardless of ecosystem. A Matter device works simultaneously with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, eliminating platform fragmentation.

Do Matter devices need SUBTEL compliance in Chile?

Yes. Although Matter is a software protocol (application layer), Matter devices contain radio modules (WiFi, Thread, Bluetooth LE) operating on SUBTEL-regulated frequencies. Each radio module requires regulatory compliance under Resolution 737. A typical Matter device has at least two radio modules requiring documentation.

Does Matter replace Zigbee or Z-Wave?

Matter does not directly replace Zigbee or Z-Wave. It is a higher-layer protocol that can run over Thread (which shares the physical layer with Zigbee). Z-Wave devices are not natively Matter-compatible and require a bridge. Long-term, Matter is expected to gradually absorb Zigbee's market for new products.

What brands support Matter?

Over 620 companies participate in Matter development, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, Philips Hue (Signify), IKEA, Aqara, Eve, Nanoleaf, TP-Link, Yale, Schneider Electric, and Tuya.

Does Matter work without internet?

Yes. Matter is designed for local operation. Devices communicate directly over the local network (WiFi or Thread) without cloud dependency. Internet is only needed for remote access and firmware updates.

What radio frequencies does Matter use?

Matter doesn't define its own frequencies. It uses existing transport technologies: 2.4 GHz for WiFi, Thread, and Bluetooth LE; 5 GHz for WiFi. In Chile, these frequencies are regulated by SUBTEL under Resolution 1985 (literal j.1).

What is a Thread Border Router and why is it relevant for SUBTEL?

A Thread Border Router connects the Thread mesh network to the home WiFi/Ethernet network. Examples include Apple HomePod mini, Google Nest Hub, and Amazon Echo (4th gen). These contain multiple radio modules (WiFi + Thread + BLE), each requiring SUBTEL compliance — typically 3 or 4 entries in Section B.

Matter Chile: Interoperable Smart Home — SUBTEL Certification | Resolution 737

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Matter in Chile

SUBTEL compliance for Matter devices: smart home protocol over Thread and WiFi under Resolution 737 in Chile

No devices in catalog yet

Matter is the only category of short-range equipment that retains the prior formal certification regime before SUBTEL under Resolution 737. There are no devices with this technology in our public catalog yet — implantable medical devices are uncommon in the open market and are usually handled one-by-one with the manufacturer.

Regulatory category

Literal j.1 of Resolution 1985

Matter is an application-layer protocol, not a radio protocol: it does not define its own frequencies. Matter devices are regulated by the transport they use: Matter over Thread uses IEEE 802.15.4 at 2.4 GHz (literal j.1), Matter over WiFi uses IEEE 802.11 at 2.4/5 GHz (also literal j.1). In both cases, SUBTEL compliance is mandatory for the device's radio modules. Additionally, all Matter devices include Bluetooth LE for commissioning, adding an extra RF module to the declaration.

What is Matter? The standard that unifies smart home

Matter is a connectivity standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA, formerly Zigbee Alliance) that solves the smart home fragmentation problem. Before Matter, a device compatible with Apple HomeKit didn't necessarily work with Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Matter eliminates this barrier: a single device works with all ecosystems simultaneously (multi-fabric). Announced in 2019 as 'Project CHIP' and launched as Matter 1.0 in October 2022, the standard has grown rapidly: version 1.2 added robot vacuums and air quality sensors, 1.3 brought energy management and EV chargers, and 1.4 added security cameras. Over 620 companies support Matter, including Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung.

Matter over Thread: low-power mesh networking

For low-power devices (sensors, locks, bulbs, plugs), Matter uses Thread as transport. Thread is an IPv6 mesh protocol based on IEEE 802.15.4 at 2.4 GHz that allows devices to form a self-healing mesh network without cloud dependency. A Thread Border Router (Apple HomePod mini, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo) connects the mesh to the home WiFi. The Matter + Thread combination is ideal for IoT: low power, local communication, and full cross-ecosystem interoperability. For SUBTEL, the relevant module is IEEE 802.15.4 (literal j.1, 2.4 GHz).

Matter over WiFi: high-bandwidth devices

For devices needing higher bandwidth — security cameras (Matter 1.4), displays, smart appliances — Matter uses WiFi as transport. These devices connect directly to the home WiFi router without needing an additional hub. The trade-off is higher power consumption, making WiFi unsuitable for battery devices. For SUBTEL, these devices document IEEE 802.11 at 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz (literal j.1) on their compliance page.

Bluetooth LE commissioning: how devices join the network

All Matter devices use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for the commissioning process — when a new device joins the network. The user scans a QR code (from the device packaging, not to be confused with the SUBTEL QR) or enters a numeric code in their ecosystem app (Apple Home, Google Home, etc.). The device connects via BLE using PASE (Passcode Authenticated Session Establishment) for secure credential exchange, then joins the Thread or WiFi network for normal operation. This means EVERY Matter device has at least one BLE module that must be declared to SUBTEL, in addition to the Thread or WiFi module.

Matter-compatible ecosystems in Chile

Frequency bands authorized in Chile

Band	Range	Maximum power	Typical use
2.4 GHz ISM — Thread (IEEE 802.15.4)	2.4 – 2.484 GHz	1 W (30 dBm)	Low-power Matter devices: sensors, locks, bulbs, smart plugs, thermostats, motorized blinds (Thread transport)
2.4 GHz ISM — WiFi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax)	2.4 – 2.484 GHz	1 W (30 dBm)	High-bandwidth Matter devices: IP cameras, displays, hubs, smart appliances (WiFi 2.4 GHz transport)
5 GHz UNII — WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/n/ac/ax)	5.15 – 5.85 GHz	1 W (30 dBm)	High-performance Matter WiFi devices: 4K cameras, hubs, displays (WiFi 5 GHz transport)
2.4 GHz ISM — Bluetooth LE (comisionamiento)	2.4 – 2.484 GHz	100 mW (20 dBm)	Commissioning (pairing) of all Matter devices: the user scans a QR or numeric code and the device connects via BLE to receive network credentials

2.4 GHz ISM — Thread (IEEE 802.15.4): Matter-over-Thread devices use IEEE 802.15.4 (O-QPSK, 250 kbps). Power consumption is ultra-low: battery sensors can last years. Typical transmit power is 1-6 mW, well below the 1 W limit.
5 GHz UNII — WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/n/ac/ax): Sub-bands 5.150-5.250 MHz are indoor-only. Sub-bands 5.250-5.350 and 5.470-5.725 MHz may require DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection).
2.4 GHz ISM — Bluetooth LE (comisionamiento): ALL Matter devices include BLE for commissioning, even if they normally operate over Thread or WiFi. This additional radio module must be declared on the SUBTEL compliance page.

Regime under Resolution 737

Track 2 — Compliance QR + self-declaration

Since February 22, 2026, Matter devices no longer require prior formal certification before SUBTEL. They do require a public compliance page accessible via a QR code on the packaging, declaring bands, power, RF modules, importer with legal address in Chile, and a reference to the test report.

View Resolution 737 on BCN

Edge cases and common compliance mistakes

A typical Matter device has MULTIPLE radio modules. A Matter-over-Thread sensor contains Thread (802.15.4) + BLE = 2 modules. A Matter-over-WiFi plug contains WiFi + BLE = 2 modules. A Thread Border Router contains WiFi + Thread + BLE = 3 modules. Each must be declared separately in Section B of the SUBTEL compliance page.
Do not confuse Matter certification from the CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance) with SUBTEL compliance. Matter certification verifies software interoperability between ecosystems — it's voluntary and commercial. SUBTEL compliance under Resolution 737 is mandatory and regulatory: it covers RF emissions, power, and bands. A device can be 'Matter Certified' and NOT comply with SUBTEL regulations. They are completely independent processes.
Matter-Zigbee bridges (like the Philips Hue Bridge v2 with Matter update) add complexity: in addition to the Zigbee radio (802.15.4), they may have WiFi and/or BLE. Each active radio must be declared to SUBTEL. The software protocol (Zigbee, Matter, HomeKit) doesn't change the obligation regarding radio modules.

No devices in our public catalog

Matter devices are uncommon in our public catalog because they still require Track 1 formal certification before SUBTEL under Resolution 737. If you need to process one, contact us: we manage the full process, from the test report to the SUBTEL submission.

Related technologies

Frequently asked questions about Matter

What is Matter and why is it important for smart home?: Matter is a unified connectivity standard created by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) that enables smart home devices from different brands to work together regardless of ecosystem. A Matter device works simultaneously with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, eliminating platform fragmentation.
Do Matter devices need SUBTEL compliance in Chile?: Yes. Although Matter is a software protocol (application layer), Matter devices contain radio modules (WiFi, Thread, Bluetooth LE) operating on SUBTEL-regulated frequencies. Each radio module requires regulatory compliance under Resolution 737. A typical Matter device has at least two radio modules requiring documentation.
Does Matter replace Zigbee or Z-Wave?: Matter does not directly replace Zigbee or Z-Wave. It is a higher-layer protocol that can run over Thread (which shares the physical layer with Zigbee). Z-Wave devices are not natively Matter-compatible and require a bridge. Long-term, Matter is expected to gradually absorb Zigbee's market for new products.
What brands support Matter?: Over 620 companies participate in Matter development, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung, Philips Hue (Signify), IKEA, Aqara, Eve, Nanoleaf, TP-Link, Yale, Schneider Electric, and Tuya.
Does Matter work without internet?: Yes. Matter is designed for local operation. Devices communicate directly over the local network (WiFi or Thread) without cloud dependency. Internet is only needed for remote access and firmware updates.
What radio frequencies does Matter use?: Matter doesn't define its own frequencies. It uses existing transport technologies: 2.4 GHz for WiFi, Thread, and Bluetooth LE; 5 GHz for WiFi. In Chile, these frequencies are regulated by SUBTEL under Resolution 1985 (literal j.1).
What is a Thread Border Router and why is it relevant for SUBTEL?: A Thread Border Router connects the Thread mesh network to the home WiFi/Ethernet network. Examples include Apple HomePod mini, Google Nest Hub, and Amazon Echo (4th gen). These contain multiple radio modules (WiFi + Thread + BLE), each requiring SUBTEL compliance — typically 3 or 4 entries in Section B.

Need to certify equipment in Chile?