October 11, 2000: GSA, the Global mobile Suppliers Association, is mobilising its members to present a one-day
"Introduction to GSM" tutorial on the eve of IBC's GSM Americas conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in December.
Aimed at regulators, potential operators and investors across Latin America, the tutorial will provide a comprehensive
introduction to GSM and the migration options through to third generation services.
In June, telecommunications regulator Anatel, allocated 1800 MHz spectrum for Personal Communication Services in Brazil. The
Brazilian government plans to auction nine licenses in early 2001. The decision reserved the alternative 1900 MHz frequency
band for "third generation" mobile services based on the International Telecommunication Union's IMT 2000 standards.
Alan Hadden, President of GSA said, "Brazil's decision to allocate 1800 MHz spectrum for personal communication services
will significantly enlarge the GSM footprint in Latin America. This will undoubtedly influence mobile policies being
developed in other countries in the region. The 'Introduction to GSM' tutorial provides potential operators in Brazil and
regulators from neighbouring countries with a great opportunity to learn more about the world's most successful mobile
technology and the tremendous opportunities that GSM brings."
Brazil joins Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela among the Latin American countries that have adopted GSM so far.
