Telecommunications in Brazil – Overview of Services and Providers

Brazil's telecommunications landscape is a vast and complex one, with a multitude of services and providers catering to the country's diverse needs.

With over 214 million mobile phone subscribers, Brazil has one of the largest mobile phone markets in the world.

The country's three major mobile network operators are Vivo, Claro, and TIM, each offering a range of plans and services to suit different budgets and preferences.

Brazil's fixed-line telephone network is also extensive, with over 35 million subscribers as of 2020.

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The telecommunications industry in Brazil has seen significant growth in recent years. Telecommunication services revenue in Brazil is expected to reach $44.8 billion by 2023.

Brazil's leading IT and telecom companies by revenue in 2022 were VIVO, TIM Brasil, and Oi. The country's wireless service market share in 2023 was dominated by Vivo, with a 44.4% market share.

The number of employees in telecommunications in Brazil has been steadily increasing, reaching 1.3 million in 2023. Telco investments in Brazil have also been substantial, with a total of $23.4 billion invested between 2010 and 2023.

Brazil's mobile telephony market share has been largely dominated by Vivo, with a market share of 44.4% in 2023. The market share of other providers has fluctuated over the years, but Vivo has consistently been the leading provider.

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The telecommunications services market in Brazil is a significant sector, with postpaid services accounting for the major share of total mobile subscriptions in 2023, and expected to remain dominant through 2028. This is due to the growing adoption of M2M/IoT solutions and telcos promoting postpaid plans with value-added benefits.

The mobile market in Brazil is ruled by three companies: Vivo, Claro, and TIM, which together served over 243 million mobile subscribers in 1Q2023. Vivo is the leading mobile and landline carrier, serving 98 million subscribers, followed by Claro with 82.8 million subscribers, and TIM with 61.7 million subscribers.

The number of devices in Brazil has grown significantly, with 251.203.715 devices in circulation as of 2023, and a density of 98.7 phones per 100 inhabitants. The technology distribution in Brazil is diverse, with GSM being the most widely used technology, accounting for 90.07% of mobile subscriptions in 2023, followed by CDMA, WCDMA, and TDMA.

Here's a breakdown of the technology distribution in Brazil in 2023:

The fixed services market in Brazil is quite interesting, with a lot to learn from its statistics. The country has a fully open landline sector, which is attractive to operators. This openness has led to a competitive market with three major players: Telefónica, América Móvil, and Oi.

Telefónica operates through Telefónica Brasil, which has integrated its landline and mobile services under the brand name Vivo. América Móvil, on the other hand, has started to integrate its landline and mobile services under the brand name Claro.

Brazil's telecommunications infrastructure is impressive, with an extensive microwave radio relay system and a national satellite system with 64 earth stations. The country also has a number of submarine cables, including the Atlantis 2, which provide direct links to South and Central America, the Caribbean, the US, Africa, and Europe.

Here are some key statistics on Brazil's fixed services market:

In Brazil, mobile telephony has a rich history dating back to 30 December 1990, when the Cellular Mobile System began operating in Rio de Janeiro.

The number of mobile devices in Brazil rose rapidly, from 667 in 1990 to 6,700 in 1991, and then to 30,000 in 1992.

As of 2023, there are 251.203.715 mobile devices in Brazil, with a density of 98.7 phones per 100 inhabitants.

43.62% of mobile lines in Brazil are prepaid, while the remaining 56.38% are postpaid.

In 2023, Vivo served 98 million mobile subscribers, making it the leading mobile and landline carrier in Brazil.

The top three mobile carriers in Brazil are Vivo, Claro, and TIM, which together account for over 99% of the market share.

The adoption of 5G services in Brazil began in 2020, initially only in a few cities and in DSS mode. By July 2023, 753 cities had 5G coverage, accounting for 46% of the country's population.

GSM technology accounted for 90.07% of mobile subscriptions in Brazil as of May 2023, while CDMA accounted for 5.88%.

Claro leads as the main telecommunications provider in Brazil, holding a 25% market share.

Internet penetration is more limited in Brazil compared to other countries in the region, but internet speed is quite high, with 58% of users enjoying speeds between 51 and over 101MB.

Telefonica Brazil (Vivo) has a robust ESG strategy, aiming to achieve net-zero by 2035, and has already achieved a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by utilizing 100% renewable electricity and biofuel in the fleet operations.

A significant disparity exists in internet access and speed between higher-income and lower socioeconomic levels in Brazil, with 51% of higher-income users having access to the fastest speeds, compared to only 22% of users from lower socioeconomic levels.

Claro leads as the main provider in Brazil, holding a 25% market share.

Internet speed in Brazil is quite high, with 58% of users enjoying speeds between 51 and over 101MB.

However, internet speed for Brazilian users is closely tied to their socioeconomic status, with 51% of higher-income users having access to the fastest speeds, but only 22% of users from lower socioeconomic levels do.

The disparity in internet access is higher in Brazil compared to the region, where the difference in internet access is less pronounced, with only 35% of higher-income users and 22% of lower socioeconomic levels having access to fast internet speeds in LATAM.

Anatel Telecommunication Product Certification is a crucial step for any telecommunication equipment intended for sale or use in Brazil. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) regulates this process to ensure compliance with technical, safety, and performance standards.

Manufacturers or importers must provide comprehensive technical documentation for the product, including specifications, schematics, and operational manuals. This documentation is essential for the certification process.

Equipment is subject to testing in laboratories accredited by ANATEL to verify compliance with regulatory standards and technical requirements. This testing is a critical step to ensure the equipment meets the required standards.

Upon successful completion of testing and documentation review, ANATEL issues a certificate of compliance, authorizing the product for sale and use within Brazil. This certificate is a must-have for any telecommunication equipment in Brazil.

Certified equipment must be labeled with the ANATEL logo and an approval number, indicating conformity with the agency’s standards. This labeling is a visible sign of compliance with Anatel's regulations.

To assist with the certification process, manufacturers often engage specialized certification bodies or consultants. These entities facilitate the application process, coordinate testing, and ensure adherence to ANATEL’s regulatory framework.

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Telefonica Brazil (Vivo) is a leader in ESG strategy, aiming to achieve net-zero by 2035.

Their efforts have led to a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions (vs. 2015) by utilizing 100% renewable electricity and biofuel in fleet operations.

Vivo aims to refurbish 90% of customer premises equipment by 2024, reducing electronic waste.

As of December 2023, the company's Recicle program collected around 12 tons of electronic waste.

Zero waste to landfill is a goal for 2030, demonstrating Vivo's commitment to sustainability.

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Brazil's telecommunications market is growing steadily, with a forecasted CAGR of more than 3% from 2023 to 2028. This growth is driven by increasing demand for mobile data and fixed broadband services.

The country's telecom services market size was $35.6 billion in 2023. The market is expected to continue growing, with a focus on enhancing connectivity through the national broadband network and telecom infrastructure development projects.

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Leading companies in the Brazilian telecom market include Vivo, Claro, Oi, and TIM. These companies are likely to play a significant role in shaping the market's growth and trends.

Brazil's mobile services market is dominated by postpaid subscriptions, which accounted for the major share of total mobile subscriptions in 2023. This trend is expected to continue through 2028, driven by the adoption of M2M/IoT solutions and telcos promoting postpaid plans with value-added benefits.

Here are some key statistics on the Brazil telecom services market:

In Brazil, postpaid services dominated the mobile subscription market in 2023 and will continue to do so through 2028, driven by the growing adoption of M2M/IoT solutions and telcos promoting postpaid plans with value-added benefits.

The average monthly mobile voice usage in Brazil will decline during 2023-2028, as subscribers increasingly shift to OTT-based voice communication alternatives.

Mobile subscription penetration in Brazil is a significant factor in the market, with various payment types and technology generations contributing to its growth.

Mobile subscriptions in Brazil will continue to be driven by postpaid services, which accounted for the major share of total mobile subscriptions in 2023.

Here are some key statistics on mobile subscriptions in Brazil:

Fixed services in Brazil, including voice telephony and fixed broadband, will also experience significant changes during the forecast period.

The fixed broadband lines in Brazil will be driven by various technologies, including DSL and fiber-optic connections.

Pay-TV household penetration in Brazil will decline over the forecast period due to subscription losses in cable TV and DTH segments.

The average revenue per user (ARPU) for fixed services in Brazil will be influenced by various factors, including the type of service and technology used.

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Brazil's telecommunications market is dominated by a few key players. Vivo has led the mobile services market in Brazil since 2023 and is expected to retain its leadership through 2028, thanks to its strong focus on mobile network modernization efforts.

The top telecom companies in Brazil are Vivo, Claro, TIM, and Oi. Vivo is the largest mobile and landline carrier in Brazil, serving 98 million mobile subscribers in 1Q2023.

Brazil's mobile market is ruled by three companies: Vivo, Claro, and TIM. Vivo belongs to Telefônica Brasil, while Claro is controlled by the Mexican América Móvil, and TIM is controlled by the Italian Telecom Italia.

Here are the top telecom companies in Brazil, listed in order of the number of mobile subscribers they served in 1Q2023: