LTE: Brazil: Oi preparing LTE network build.

WorldWide Tech & Science. Francisco De Jesùs.

LTE: Brazil: Oi preparing LTE  network build.

Brazil’s number four operator Oi is to invest BRL1 billion (US$493 million) in developing an LTE network in the country between now and 2015 and plans to achieve 50 percent coverage in seven Brazilian cities by April 2013.

Oi’s chief executive Francisco Valim made the comments during the launch of a network using the new technology in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, yesterday. Valim said the company will sign supplier contracts for 4G technology on October 16.

Oi’s plans come as Latin America’s largest mobile market is required to build-out 4G coverage in the host cities for the 2014 football World Cup, which is being held in Brazil.

In June the country’s four largest mobile operators all acquired 4G spectrum in auctions, netting BRL2.72 billion in total for the government. Telefonica’s Vivo submitted the highest winning bid (BRL1.05 billion), followed by America Movil’s Claro (BRL844.5 million), TIM Brasil (BRL375 million) and Oi (BRL345 million). 4G spectrum was up for grabs in both the 2.5GHz and 450MHz bands, suitable for urban and rural coverage respectively.