RIO DE JANEIRO – One of the biggest challenges facing LTE deployments in Brazil is the large number of sites required to provide coverage bumping up against laws restricting the installation of new towers. This will be especially apparent as LTE networks across the country will initially be using the 2.6 GHz spectrum band auctioned last April.
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According to Telefónica, the antenna solution was developed in-house and is supported with infrastructure equipment installed in underground boxes made with fiberglass material. “We are in the process of patenting this technology,” noted Valente.
The pilot project is being released in partnership with the city of Rio de Janeiro and the local electricity company. The goal is to expand to other regions of the country beginning this month, with the expectation to have 500 antennas deployed by the end of next year.
Telefónica’s Vivo is currently Brazil’s largest operator and provides the nation’s most 3G coverage.
