Anatel publishes official approval of spectrum tender, rubber-stamps LTE rollout

Telecoms regulator Anatel has published its official validation of the recent auction of 2.5GHz and 450MHz spectrum in the country’s federal gazette – Diario Oficial da Uniao – paving the way for the commercialisation of 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) in Brazil. The tender, which was held in June, included prized spectrum in the 2.5GHz band and spectrum in the lower 450MHz band to provide for more comprehensive rural broadband coverage. BNAmericas reports that to date, only America Movil’s (AM’s) Telecom Americas (Claro) unit has launched a full-blown LTE service in the country, offering 4G coverage in the tourist cities of Campos do Jordao, Paraty and Buzios.