4 g phones offer in Brazil grows, but price and network are still problems

The offer of models of smartphones with mobile internet for fourth generation (4 g) more than doubled in the last six months in the country, but the high price and limited still remain as challenges network to broaden the user base of this technology.
According to Anatel (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações), the number of 4 g models approved by the Agency went from 11, in April, when the offer was initiated in the country, to 31 in early October.
iPhone 5 c and iPhone 5s the u.s. don't work with 4 g in Brazil
New iPhones will be sold in Brazil are compatible with 4 g
Of the total of approved devices, eight are from Samsung, Motorola's two, five of six from LG, Nokia, four of the BlackBerry and four from Sony. Apple, which until then had no iPhones adapted to 2.5 GHz frequency adopted in Brazil, had two models homologated.
Only the operators Claro and Vivo intend to launch by the end of the year over 14 models of smartphones with the 4 g technology, informed the operators told Reuters.
In April, the course was four 4 g smartphones in your portfolio, a number that today is 17. By the end of the year, plus seven templates should be released, according to the company.
Mark Lennihan-1.ago. 13/Associated Press
Moto X, 4 g device sold in Brazil
Moto X, 4 g device sold in Brazil
I Live sells 12 models of smartphones with 4 g connection, and also plans to launch seven new models in the coming months.
Despite the increase in the offer, the number of users of the 4 g is still low in comparison with the total number of mobile internet users in the country. According to Anatel August, mobile broadband totaled 85.3 million hits, of which only 398.6 thousand came from 4 g terminals.
One of the main challenges for the expansion of the customer base is still the high price of smartphones adapted to technology, said market analyst IDC, Leonardo Munin, subject that the scenario is changing gradually.
"The products that have this availability are expensive, but the price decrease is beginning to happen," said Munin, noting that six months ago there was no 4 g devices available on the market for $ 1,000, as is the case today of Nokia Lumia M.
Prices vary depending on the client's plan, but in the prepaid of course, for example, 4 g phones like the Moto X arriving costing R $ 2,399. Among the smart phones with 3 g technology, the supply of cheaper smartphones is greater, with models available for 599 reais, as the Samsung Galaxy Trend. Vivo has not reported the price of its 4 g smartphones. Sought, TIM and Oi not spoken.
"Just as with other technologies, the massification of the service tends to reduce price levels, without it being possible to stipulate deadlines," said Alive in a statement sent to Reuters.
NETWORK MISSING
In the view of Motorola's product manager, Renato Arade, it's not just the price of the challenge to the growth of 4 g, but also the expansion of network infrastructure across the country.
"Today we have products with support for 4 g, but in Brazil, only in the largest cities the user can have the benefit," said the Executive. "With a larger scope in the country, can there be greater demand and different price positioning," he said.
Motorola has two devices available on the market, the Motorola Razr HD, the first 4 g launched in the country, and Moto X. Second Arada, both products have higher value because 4 g demand more expensive components, such as longer duration battery and larger screen for watching videos.
The Executive does not rule out, however, the possibility that in the coming years, with technological developments and increased demand, the cost of equipment.
Munin, IDC, is of the same opinion, and believes that next year the demand will be greater. "This market should begin to grow strong even there by mid-2014. The World Cup will leverage, and the infrastructure will improve by then, "he said.
Rivaldo Gomes-22.6.12/Folhapress cellular network Antennas in building from downtown São Paulo; 4 g is still in a few Brazilian cities
Cellular network antennas in building from downtown São Paulo; 4 g is still in a few Brazilian cities
The four major carriers in the country said in August to be in compliance with the Fcc's goal of covering with 4 g network the cities-headquarters and branches of the World Cup until 31 December.
Though hardly the operators will achieve this year projection of 4 million users 4 g released by Anatel, second in the industry.
In late August, the Agency stated that it considered anticipate universalization of telephony 3 g and 4 g services in Brazil. The goal for the 3 g, currently set for 2017, can be shortened in one or two years, while the 4 g, 2019, can be anticipated in a year.
The Government auctioned 2.5 GHz frequencies for use by the 4 g phone last year and should make new auction involving the 700 MHz band, more common in the world for the operation of technology in early 2014.