Model offering of smartphones with mobile Internet fourth generation 4G more than doubled in the last six months in Brazil, but the high price and network challenges still limit the broadening of the user base of this technology.
According to the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), the number of 4G models approved by the agency spent eleven in April, when the offer was initiated in the country to 31 in early October.
The total of approved instruments, eight are from Samsung Electronics, two from Motorola, five from Nokia, six from LG, four from the BlackBerry and four from Sony Mobile. Apple, which until then had not adapted to iPhones frequency of 2.5 gigahertz GHz adopted in Brazil, had two approved models.
Just Claro and Vivo alone plan to launch by the end of the year over fourteen models of smartphones with 4G technology, informed operators. In April, Claro had four 4G smartphones in its portfolio, currently at number seventeen. By the end of the year, seven more models should be launched, the company said.
Vivo — on the other hand sells — twelve models of smartphones with 4G connection, and also intends to launch in the coming months seven new models.
Users
Despite the increased supply, the number of users of 4G remains low compared to the total of mobile Internet users in the country. According to Anatel August, mobile broadband accesses totaled 85.31 million, of which only 398,620 were from 4G terminals.
According to IDC’s Market analyst Leonardo Munin, one of the main challenges for the expansion of the customer base is still the high price of smartphones adapted to the technology, he said, pointing out that the scenario is gradually changing.
“The products that have such availability are expensive, but the price decrease is starting to happen,” Munin said, noting that six months ago there was no 4G handsets available on the market for 1000 reais, as is the case today Nokia Lumia M.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the customer’s plan, but prepaid Claro, eg 4G phones like the Moto X can cost 2399 reais. Among the smart phones with 3G technology, offering cheaper smartphones is higher, with models available for 599 reais, as the Samsung Galaxy Trend. Vivo has not informed the price of their 4G smartphones. Sought, and Hi TIM remained silent.
“As with other technologies, the massification of service tends to reduce price levels, without it being possible to set deadlines,” said Vivo in a statement sent to Reuters .
Goals
The four major carriers in the country told in August to be advanced in meeting the goal of covering the FCC with 4G network the host cities and sub-offices of the World Cup until December 31. However, operators hardly reach this year projection of 4 million 4G users released by Anatel, according to companies.
In late August, the agency stated that it considered anticipate universalization targets of 3G and 4G telecommunications services in Brazil. The goal for the 3G, currently set for 2017, can be shortened by one or two years, while the 4G, 2019, may be advanced by one year.
The government auctioned 2.5 GHz frequencies for use by 4G phone last year and should do another auction involving more common in the world of technology for operation in early 2014 the 700 MHz band.
via Offer 4G grows in Brazil, but price remains high – Economy – News – VEJA.com.
