Brazilian carriers are migrating their 3G network to HSPA+, mostly to cope with the increase in data volume. Telefónica’s Vivo announced the commercial launch of its HSPA+ network last month, and América Móvil’s Claro said this week that it has enabled its network to be HSPA+ (high-speed packet access).
Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, HSPA+ has been a natural upgrade for carriers before implementing 4G services because it provides connection speeds and capacities similar to LTE. The industry group 4G Americas has said there currently are 30 HSPA+ networks in 19 countries.
Earlier this month, U.N. technology agency ITU said that LTE-Advanced and WirelessMAN-Advanced should be given the official designation of IMT-Advanced. As the most advanced technology currently defined for global wireless mobile broadband communications, IMT-Advanced is considered 4G, although it is recognized that the term, while undefined, may also be applied to the forerunners of these technologies, LTE and WiMAX, and to other evolved 3G technologies providing a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third-generation systems now deployed.
Claro claims to be the carrier who has the largest nationwide HSPA+, reaching 700 municipalities. All the carrier’s 3G customers, who have compatible device with the new technology, will be able to automatically use HSPA+ network at no additional cost, the company said.
Claro’s adaptation to HSPA+ required upgrades to its network’s software and hardware. “This technology will offer speeds with peaks up to 6 Mbps before the arrival of 4G,” said Fiamma Zarif, director of value-added services of Claro.
The network upgrade was also necessary because of increased data volume, which grew by more than 40% compared with 2010. The HSPA+ coverage will also be available for customers that choose to offer PNBL (National Broadband Plan).
Vivo, the leader in market share, launched its HSPA+ services last month in the city of São Paulo, although Vivo’s 3G network throughout the country is already qualified for HSPA+. After the initial rollout in São Paulo state, the company is planning to extend business offerings with the technology to the rest of Brazil during 2012.
“Vivo built its network to be prepared to upgrade to HSPA+, so in terms of network, it is ready. However, to launch this service commercially, it is also required devices and customer’s offers,” said Daniel Cardoso, marketing director for mobile.
Claro and Vivo are more advanced in terms of HSPA+ evolution. The Brazilian arm of Italy’s TIM said that 50% of its network in the city of São Paulo is HSPA+ and that the carrier is evaluating when it will expand HSPA+ to other cities.
Brazilian carrier Oi started to upgrade its network to HSPA+ in October 2010 from São Paulo city and other capitals.
Brazilian consulting firm Teleco says Brazilian operators will maximize their investments in HSPA+ rather than LTE. “There is no reason to carrier change its technology if it is not because of customer’s need. And we have to have in mind that there are a lack of spectrum, numbers and satellite positions,” said Teleco Vice President José Luiz Souza.
Souza said he thinks that LTE will not replace any other technology and that all of them will coexist.
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