One year ahead, 5G signal is cleared for activation in entire Brazil

This is a machine translation of a release by Brazil's MCom

5G technology is now available for deployment in all 5,500 municipalities in Brazil. This means that, starting Monday (2), mobile operators will be able to deploy the technology throughout the country, according to their schedule, thanks to the release of the 3.5 GHz band, which was carried out 14 months before the date scheduled for the 5G Auction, launched in 2021.

“This is a milestone for the country. It is yet another important action by the Ministry of Communications to expand this technology, which will bring enormous advances in the digital inclusion of Brazilians,” highlighted the Minister of Communications, Juscelino Filho.

Currently, 770 cities already have active 5G in the 3.5GHz band, with 35 million users.

In order to release the 3.5 GHz band, it was necessary to reduce interference and vacate professional satellite stations (FSS), in addition to changing the TV signal transmitted from the C Band to the Ku Band and installing the free kit with the new digital satellite dish in the homes of families benefiting from the Federal Government's social programs. So far, more than 4.4 million kits have been installed for these families. This delivery was scheduled in the 5G Auction notice for 2026.

The first front of action was completed in March 2024, more than two years in advance. The Band Management Entity (EAF), created by Anatel to coordinate the release of the 3.5 GHz band, carried out the evacuation of the FSS with operations in 1.4 thousand stations that operated in the Extended C Band throughout Brazil and the mitigation of interference from 19.2 thousand stations that operated in the C Band in five thousand cities.

Kits delivery

Until June 29, 2025, EAF, through the Siga Antenado brand, will continue to install the kit with the new digital satellite dish in all Brazilian cities free of charge. To check whether they are entitled to the free installation of the equipment, families registered with CadÚnico should contact the entity through the website sigaantenado.com.br or by calling 088-729-2404.