Public notice to require winners to buy products and equipment manufactured in Brazil. The percentage has not yet been defined.

The auction for the 700 MHz band, which is to install 4G technology in Brazil, will give preference to applicants that buy products and equipment featuring national technology. The assurance was given by the Communications Minister, Paulo Bernardo, during a hearing at the Senate Commission on Science and Technology.

"We intend to put a requirement in the 700 MHz auction for the use of national technology. After the 2.5 GHz auction, three large equipment factories have already come here, not to mention the small ones, of which there are many more. This will continue," he said. The minister said the percentage that carriers are to be charged has not yet been defined. At the auction for the 2.5 GHz and 450 MHz bands, the government required Brazilian technology in up to 20% of all products and equipment purchased.

Last week, a document from the United States Department of Commerce criticized the Brazilian industrial policy and auction of the two frequencies by Anatel. "We want the products to be Brazilian and the Americans want them to be American. Obviously we're not going to defend American industry, it's the Department of Commerce who's doing that," he said.

2014 World Cup

Minister Paulo Bernardo assured that the provision of 4G technology in the stadiums that will host the Confederations Cup, in six Brazilian state capitals, will happen on time, by April 30. "I'm relaxed because, in the case of Telebras, almost all investments have already been made. And the telecommunications companies which have delayed a little can easily invest. So there won't be any problem."

The minister revealed that FIFA is expected to issue a determination, at a date yet to be set, to cease all internal work inside the stadiums. This includes the installation of telecommunications infrastructure. In light of this, all work must be completed on time. The aim of the measure taken by FIFA is to prepare the stadiums for the competition. "There is time, it's going to work, and the government will do its part," he stressed.

Source: Ministry of Communications

13 April 2013