Brazilian regional operator Brisanet will start the rollout of its 5G network in the second half of 2023.
The priority for 2022 for Brisanet, which was one of the main companies involved in the recent frequency auction of 5G in Brazil, will be activation of 4G services in the 2.3 GHz band, especially in rural areas, local media reported quoting CEO Jose Roberto Nogueira, who also detailed the timing of investments and provision of services for the next two years.
"Next year will be dedicated to taking the 4G signal at a frequency of 2.3 GHz to locations that do not yet have access to fourth-generation mobile connectivity, with special attention to rural areas. This is one of the prerequisites for those who purchased lots in the 5G auction, as was the case with Brisanet in the Northeast region," he said.
After this phase, operators also need to prepare for the arrival of 5G in these same regions.
In addition to the 2.3 GHz lot, Brisanet also paid R$ 1.2 billion for the block in the 3.5 GHz band for the Northeast and another R$ 105 million for the Midwest lot.
Under the terms of the auction, the operator needs to implement 5G in municipalities with less than 30000 inhabitants in the Northeast and Midwest only from 2026 onwards, in addition to 1200 locations in the two regions.
In three to four years, it will be very difficult for a company to provide complete service without 3.5 GHz, Jose said.
"The delivery of products will rely on fiber and 5G. Anyone who only has fiber will face a much greater challenge to remain in the market. It will be a very big challenge to provide service without 5G, mobility will be increasingly demanded. The two technologies will be the most demanded," he concluded.
