📋 Tender Overview
With strategic digital inclusion actions, the Ministry of Communications and the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) will bring internet with better cell phone signal to 63 locations in 31 municipalities in Rio de Janeiro. In total, around 148 thousand people will benefit.
The improvements are part of the goals of the bidding notice for the 700 MHz band, launched in February this year to expand mobile coverage, with 5G technology in several regions of the country. The auction, scheduled for April, will prioritize the expansion of the service in rural and remote areas.
The Minister of Communications, Frederico de Siqueira Filho, explained that the measure comes to reduce inequalities in peoples access to the internet. This auction is essential to bring cell phone signal and connectivity to places with coverage gaps. All Brazilians need access to communication, digital services and the opportunities that the internet offers, he said.
Municipalities in Rio de Janeiro that will be served: Angra dos Reis, Barra do Pirai, Barra Mansa, Bom Jardim, Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Campos dos Goytacazes, Cardoso Moreira, Carmo, Comendador Levy Gasparian, Itaborai, Itatiaia, Macae, Mage, Mangaratiba, Miguel Pereira, Natividade, Paraiba do Sul, Paraty, Paty do Alferes, Petropolis, Resende, Rio Claro, Santo Antonio de Padua, Sao Fidelis, Sao Francisco de Itabapoana, Sao Joao da Barra, Sao Jose do Vale do Rio Preto, Sumidouro, Teresopolis, Trajano de Moraes and Vassouras.
New services
In Brazil, the expectation with the auction is that 1.2 million people will benefit and 500 small locations will be connected. In addition to strengthening 4G, the 700 MHz band will expand the reach of 5G, taking the technology to places that currently do not have a quality connection. The initiative also paves the way for new services, such as equipment connected to the internet.
Unlike other auctions, this one is not focused on raising funds for the federal government. The majority of the amount paid by companies will be converted into mandatory investments to expand mobile service coverage, especially in regions that are currently not adequately served.
The release of the 700 MHz band was possible after the advancement of digital TV, which made it possible to reorganize the use of frequencies and make room for the expansion of mobile services.
The notice, approved by the Federal Court of Auditors, is in line with the public policy of increasing competition, accelerating coverage and preventing the spectrum from remaining idle if there is no interest in the initial stages.
How the auction will work:
The band will be offered again to increase competition between operators.
The spectrum will be divided into regional blocks.
Each company can acquire up to two regions.
The process will have three stages, starting with regional operators and, at the end, open to any interested company.
The focus is to expand coverage, encourage investments and improve signal quality.
Text: ASCOM | Ministry of Communications * More information: press@mcom.gov.br | (61) 2027.6086 or (61) 2027.6628
