Brazilian telecoms regulator Anatel has announced its plans for the upcoming 4G auction in Brazil, which is now set for early June.
The regulator will be auctioning spectrum in the 2.5GHz band for 4G mobile services, as well as spectrum in the 450MHz…
Brazilian telecoms regulator Anatel has announced its plans for the upcoming 4G auction in Brazil, which is now set for early June.
The regulator will be auctioning spectrum in the 2.5GHz band for 4G mobile services, as well as spectrum in the 450MHz band for improving coverage to rural and remote areas.
Spectrum in the 450MHz band will be offered first. If the regulator does not receive any bids it deems satisfactory, then the 450MHz band will be offered alongside the 2.5GHz band.
With the 2.5GHz band, the highest bidder is set to win each of the licences available. By contrast, the criteria for the 450MHz band will be which bidder can provide the lowest price to the consumer.
The regulator is aiming for 4G coverage over all the major centres hosting the 2014 World Cup by December 2013. Furthermore, Anatel is aiming for 4G coverage over all Brazilian municipalities with population of over 100,000 people by December 2016.
In advance of Anatel’s announcement, telcos have been voicing concerns over the auction.
TIM Brasil, the local subsidiary of Telecom Italia, said in a statement last week that, while it is not against the adoption of 4G technology in Brazil, it believes the auction is a “premature step” because 3G technology has still not reached maturity in the country.
