One year into 5G rollout in Brazil, users total over 10 mi
Expanding at an impressively rapid pace, Brazil’s 5G network has been up and running for one year this Thursday (Jul. 6), as coverage has exceeded the targets set by telecom watchdog Anatel. The technology has upwards of 10 million users and serves over 150 cities countrywide.
According to a survey by Conexis Brasil Digital, 5G managed to reach the 10 million users mark 11 months after its launch, whereas it had taken the 4G network 26 months to garner the same total.
Thus far, operators have installed the 5G signal in every state capital, every city with over 500 thousand people, and in half of the cities with more than 200 thousand, the study reports.
The rules for the 5G auction stipulated that the technology should be installed in all capitals by September last year, with about one antenna for every 100 thousand people.
The next steps should include coverage for all Brazilian cities with more than 500 thousand people by July 2025 and across all locations with more than 200 thousand people by July 2026.
Challenges
Reported among the reasons for the rapid expansion of the 5G network in Brazil was the fact that the auction favored investments in installation and expansion, rather than simply going after the highest bidder. Despite the quick rollout, the report lists challenges such as outdated municipal legislation delaying or barring the installation of more antennas.
A study by Conexis associates has found that half (77) of the 155 cities with more than 200 thousand people, capitals included, have unfavorable laws or no specific legislation for antenna installation, 54 have favorable antenna laws for 5G expansion, and 24 have specific legislation on the topic but require further adjustments.
One advantage of 5G technology over previous networks is that it requires the use of small antennas that eliminate the need for towers and can be installed on the facade of buildings, even on lampposts and traffic lights, without interfering with the urban landscape. However, because of its higher frequency and shorter wavelength, more antennas are necessary than for other signal types.
The expansion of 5G is believed to demand five to ten times more antennas than 4G did. As a result, operators are calling for clearer rules and speedier licensing.
