Narayan AmmachchiThe number of broadband connections in Brazil surpassed 110 million in July, a 39% increase from the same period last year, according to a survey by Brazilian Telecommunications Association (Telebrasil). More than 31 million people have signed up for the service in the last 12 months alone.
A large number of urban residents now have access to high-speed Internet service, with the number of fixed broadband customers increasing to 21.4 million in July. However, fixed broadband infrastructure is strong only in urban areas, where the government provides free Internet services to 66,000 primary and secondary schools.
According to the Telebrasil study, 39% of urban households in the country have access to high-speed internet. Brazil had the highest growth in fixed broadband connections in Latin America in 2012 and is currently among the ten countries in the world with the largest broadband bases.
The popularity of mobile internet access is booming, with Telebrasil noting that connections increased by 47.6 percent in the last 12 months, with 73.8 million Brazilians owning a 3G mobile phone and 14.9 million using a data terminal (modem/dongle).
Brazil has recently launched 4G services and Telebrasil says as many as 250,000 people have already signed up for this high-speed wireless Internet service. The 4G network now reaches 32 cities, although the government’s plan was originally to make the service available only in the five cities where the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup was due to take place.
Mobile broadband has become one of the main drivers of Brazil’s digital revolution, with 3G networks now covering 3,414 municipalities which are home to 90% of the population.
Meanwhile,a recent study by GSM Association shows that broadband prices in Brazil have dropped by 70% since 2010.
Add comment