Brazilian regulator Anatel (Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes / National Telecommunications Agency) has confirmed that the country’s government has authorised the 700MHz, 2.3GHz, 3.5GHz and 26GHz spectrum bands for 5G use.
In a signing ceremony at Planalto Palace on 7th December, President Jair Bolsonaro said that the move would see 5G coverage extended across all state capitals in Brazil, along with all paved federal highways – a total of 35,784km. All 5G licence holders must have an operational 5G service in all state capitals and the Federal District (Distrito Federal) by 31st July 2022.
Anatel closed bidding for Brazil’s long-anticipated 5G spectrum auction on 5th November with the commitments totalling BRL47.2 billion (US$8.5 billion). CommsUpdate notes that approximately BRL7.44 billion of the winning bids will become “goodwill” bonds, with the spectrum holders building out coverage into areas with little or no connectivity.
Brazil’s three biggest players Claro Brasil, Telefonica Brasil (Vivo) and TIM Brasil were the major spenders, although regional telcos - including Algar Telecom, Brisanet and Sercomtel – also won licences, with Winity Telecom bagging a significant holding in the 700MHz band.
