Brazil's Unicel Wins License to Operate in 900MHz Band

Brazilian mobile telephony operator Unicel do Brasil Telecomunicacoes has been awarded a license to operate in the 900MHz band, local press reported the company as saying.

The company paid 15mn reais (US$8.23mn) for two blocks of 2.5MHz spectrum. The license authorizes the operator to offer services to 63 municipalities in the city of Sao Paulo and adds to the company's existing 30MHz in the 1800MHz band.

In April Unicel received final approval from telecoms regulator Anatel to become the city's fourth mobile operator alongside Vivo, TIM Brasil and America Movil's Claro. Unicel was the sole bidder for the license with an offer of 93.8mn reais.

On winning the blocks in the 1800MHz band, Anatel left open the possibility of offering service in the 900MHz band.

With the new spectrum, Unicel will be able to offer clients better coverage in rural areas and closed areas such as airports and shopping centers.

Operational costs will be lower as the band requires fewer antennas.

Anatel auctioned off leftover 2G spectrum on September 25 and 26.

Unicel will compete with Vivo, TIM Brasil and Oi in Sao Paulo.

Posted to the site on 17th October 2007