A new fourth generation wireless network solution is being developed by Brazilian researchers

Brazil will be the first country to use 4G technology to bring broadband to rural areas. According to Communications Minister, Paulo Bernardo, this will be made possible thanks to a new fourth generation wireless network solution that is being developed by Brazilian researchers. "Various companies are engaged in the project and this may result in technology that is used worldwide," said Bernardo.

The minister said that the goal of the government, which has invested around R$ 40 million from the Fund for Technological Development of Telecommunications (FUNTTEL) in the project, is to ensure quality services for people who live far from major urban centers, in regions where the availability of Internet services is lacking. "We'll have speeds compatible with the 4G available in urban areas," he stressed.

The research is being coordinated by the Center for Research and Development in Telecommunications (CPqD) and is funded through FUNTTEL.

Standardization

Brazil is leading not only the development but also the standardization of this new network, which operates in the 450 MHz band and is based on LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology – a communication standard that combines various techniques to ensure the most efficient use of the spectrum, allowing higher quality connections to be made.

Targets

According to the announcement for the sale of the 450 MHz band, by June next year, operators must provide services in the rural areas of 30% of municipalities within their licensed area of operation. After this initial phase, operators must provide services to 60% of municipalities by the end of 2014, and 100%  of municipalities by the end of 2015.

Source:

Ministry of Communications

11 April 2013