5G coverage expands to 395 additional Brazilian municipalities

The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has approved the licensing and activation of 5G technology stations in an additional 395 municipalities as of Monday, March 18. This brings the total number of municipalities with 5G coverage to 3,678, covering approximately 181.3 million Brazilians, or roughly 85 percent of the population.

5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for mobile and broadband networks, succeeding 4G connectivity networks. Cell phone companies have been gradually activating 5G across the country since July 2022.

The allocation of the 3.5 GHz band for the 5G mobile network does not imply immediate installation of antennas in the areas. The timing of installation depends on each provider's individual planning. They can apply for licensing and activation of their 5G standalone or pure 5G stations.

Currently, nine out of Brazil's 27 states have all their municipalities licensed for 5G. Anatel has already determined the list of municipalities to be cleared for 5G internet in the upcoming stages, with another nine states set to complete this phase.

Modernization

According to the Ministry of Communications, traditional satellite dishes will soon become obsolete due to the implementation of 5G technology in Brazil, as both use the same radio frequency band.

Families enrolled in the Federal Government's social programs (CadÚnico) who currently have a traditional satellite dish installed and in use are eligible to receive a free kit containing the new digital satellite dish.

The new digital satellite dish offers several advantages over the traditional one, including shadow-free and drizzle-free images, improved sound quality, access to over 80 channels including regional options, free programming, a smaller antenna, standardized channel names and numbers, modern equipment, and enhanced technology.