Anatel should open 1800 MHz band to further develop mobile communications in Brazil
Brasilia, 16th December 1999; GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association presented its views today at the public
hearing which forms part of the spectrum consultation launched earlier this month by telecommunications regulator Anatel,
for the licensing of future mobile services in Brazil in the year 2000. An estimated 140 participants attended the one-day
hearing, during which almost 30 organisations presented their views.
The basic decision is whether new mobile services should be deployed in the 1.9 GHz band, where 2 x 40 MHz has been
identified, or in the 1.8 GHz band, where 2 x 55 MHz is available.
Current digital cellular services in Brazil are deployed in the 800 MHz band. This is similar to the situation in the USA
and a handful of other countries, where some digital networks also operate in the 1.9 GHz band i.e. within the spectrum core
band already identified by WRC '92 for 3G IMT-2000 services, and thus prevent an evolution to 3G multimedia services.
GSA argues that IMT 2000 spectrum should be allocated only for 3G IMT-2000 services, and not used for cellular/PCS services.
Speaking at the public hearing, Alan Hadden, GSA President stated: "IMT 2000 frequencies should be reserved for IMT 2000
services. The 1800 MHz band is used world-wide for cellular/PCS services where GSM is widely deployed at 1800 MHz. GSM
delivers the most advanced mobile services and has a clear differentiation from other standards. Together with deployments
in the 900 MHz band, GSM is used today by 235 million customers in 142 countries, and growing at the rate of 4 customers
every second.
GSM is state of the art and the global standard driven by open standard/interfaces. This has often meant more local
production and the creation of local jobs. Operators can choose between several international suppliers and are not tied to
a single supplier, as is the reality in most of Latin America. GSM also ensures that an operator can come to market fastest
and gets the earliest payback."
GSM uniquely delivers international roaming of voice and services and national roaming solutions are also possible.
Multi-band and multi-mode phones would ensure that the needs of travellers to and from Brazil will be supported, both in the
Latin America region and world-wide.
"GSM also has a clear evolution roadmap to IMT-2000 services", added Hadden. "The next important focus is on the
introduction of non-voice wireless services and mobile Internet access. GSM allows differentiation through wireless Internet
access, e-mail, e-commerce, etc. beginning with HSCSD, and GPRS."
GSM delivers the voice and data services of today and is ready to deliver the mobile Internet in the future.
