Brazilian telecom operators have a huge challenge ahead: to meet the demand for bandwidth and Internet broadband speed during the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Mobile carriers have just had a taste of what will happen during such a major event: during the FIFA Confederations Cup, which ended on June 30, a total of 1.7 million cellphone calls were made as well as about 4.6 million data communications, including emails, images and videos. There were many complaints about mobile services, including about the poor quality of 3G services.
How to attend to the demand caused by the rapid spike in usage from these events, as well as the hoard of fans, journalists and others who’ll be visiting Brazil, was one of the topics of a video interview with Jeff Glueck, CEO of Skyfire:
Glueck also commented about why anticipating LTE as a solution to bandwidth problems might not completely eliminate all of the performance and latency issues that have plagued mobile networks. Across the Latin American region, governments are conducting spectrum frequency band auctions to enable telecom operators to deploy LTE networks. In some countries, carriers have already begun the process.
More from Brazil: The country ended May with a total of 265.52 million mobile accesses, which represents a penetration of 134.24 lines per 100 inhabitants. Prepaid (211.5 million, 79.65%), GSM (183.76 million, 69.21%) lines still make up the majority. WCDMA access were almost 67 million or 25.32%, and at 105,250, LTE lines made up only 0.04% of total. Vivo lead with 28.66%, followed by TIM (27.12%), Claro (25.05%) and Oi (18.74%).
Suspended: Chilean watchdog Subtel has suspended sales of telecommunication services over the telephone. The suspension of this sales method will remain in effect until the companies certify a sales model with Subtel that ensures unequivocally that the companies are hiring the marketing service and provides supporting evidence. Subtel is requiring that the companies have a transparent and secure telephone sales process, eliminating any possibility of deception or fraudulent sales that harm telecommunication users.
More news from Latin America:
- Telefónica will reportedly hold off on a Colombian IPO amid negotiations. The Spanish phone company is selling assets to cut debt.
- Brazilian carriers TIM, GVT, Embratel and Vivo are expected to deploy 2,200 kilometers of fiber optics in Brazil’s midwestern region by September.
- Brazilian carrier Oi announced that it is investing in internal training and strengthening its focus on operations to improve its level of quality, following the company’s recent structural changes. Oi also noted it has completed the outsourcing of about 4,400 professionals, which was first announced in late June.
- NetCracker Technology has signed a multi-year managed services contract with Vivo to develop, implement and operate a comprehensive BSS solution.
Be sure not to miss what’s happening in Latin America’s wireless markets. Check out RCR Wireless News wrap ups.
