Brazilian carrier TIM reported that it has achieved important milestones in terms of 4G and 5G coverage and rural connectivity.
For the first time, TIM, the country’s third-largest mobile operator, has covered all 5,570 municipalities with 4G, installing at least one antenna in each location.
TIM also reported that it has deployed 5G to more than 200 regions.
The list of recent activities includes 23 municipalities in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo.
According to Anatel’s database, TIM is leading the way in 5G deployment, with 7,742 antennas installed, almost half of Brazil’s total.
Overall, Anatel reports having 17,835 5G antennas in the country, followed by Vivo (Telefônica Brasil) and Claro with 5,986 and 3,627 antennas, respectively. Next is Brisanet (316), Algar (161), Unifiq (2), and Riga (1).
Unlike other carriers, TIM said it is focused on covering as many areas as possible in major metropolitan centers such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with 5G. Vivo and Claro also plan to gradually expand their coverage.
However, all carriers exceed Antel’s obligations at this stage of 5G deployment, both in terms of the number of installed antennas and the areas served.
Monetization
Neither TIM nor its competitors have monetized 5G yet.
TIM allows clients to use the network with just their 5G-enabled smartphones, without having to purchase a package or move to a new plan.
According to TIM, nearly 90% of smartphones currently sold through its sales channels are 5G-enabled.
Speaking to BNamericas at the telco’s year-end press event in Rio de Janeiro, CTIO Leonardo Capdeville downplayed the issue, saying: First comes the expansion of networks and the democratization of user experience.
Only then will users be able to confidently subscribe to new 5G services, such as packages for cloud gaming.
Capdeville has just been appointed head of technology at the company’s parent company in Italy.
local news
Connected agriculture leader TIM predicts that 16Mha will be covered by 4G in Brazil by the end of 2023, 2Mha more than in 2022.
It is expected to expand by another 4Mha in 2024, reaching a total of 20Mha.
The company claims to have contracts with more than 30 major Brazilian agribusiness groups, serving approximately 112,000 rural properties.
This coverage will eventually extend to the neighborhood, including 265 public schools and 80 basic health units. According to the carrier, the 4G TIM no Campo project is active in 676 municipalities in 14 states.
Despite leading 5G coverage and tied for second-largest 4G deployment with Vivo, TIM ended October with 24.1% of Brazil’s mobile accesses, ranking third behind Vivo and Claro. Ta.
