In a surprising development, Brazil has catapulted itself into the global tech spotlight by securing the third position in the world for the fastest 5G download speeds. The latest findings from Opensignal, an international consultancy firm, reveal that Brazil’s average 5G download speed has hit 350.8 Mbps. This advancement places Brazil ahead of established technology powerhouses like the United States, Japan, and Taiwan.
The Opensignal Report
The report, which analyzed the 5G performance of 137 countries in the last quarter of 2024, reflects Brazil’s aggressive strategy in rolling out 5G technology nationwide. Despite lagging in the 4G and 5G availability ranking at 82nd, Brazil’s speed achievement demonstrates significant strides in 5G implementation, consistent with the goals set by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).
Progress Beyond Expectations
Anatel’s initial projections anticipated that 57.67% of Brazil would have 5G coverage by 2027. Yet, by 2025, the actual coverage has already soared to 63% across the country, showcasing a pace that outstrips previous expectations.
5G’s Impact Across Sectors
The implications of high-speed 5G are far-reaching, with transformative effects observed in various sectors. Kim Rieffel, Vice President of Telecommunications at the Brazilian Association for Conformity Assessment (Abrac), emphasized the technology’s influence, particularly in healthcare and smart city development.
“In the health sector, for instance, 5G enables more accurate diagnostics and the performance of technology-assisted surgeries, […]In the context of smart cities, it facilitates the implementation of efficient transportation solutions, advanced security systems, and more sustainable energy management.”
– Rieffel
The enhanced connectivity and speed provided by 5G are not only improving user experiences but are also integral to modernizing essential services and infrastructure throughout Brazil.
Anticipating the 6G Horizon
With the current success of 5G, Brazil is naturally looking towards the next horizon in mobile internet technology: 6G. Global forecasts predict the commercial arrival of 6G by 2030, although Brazil might experience a slightly later introduction of this next-generation technology.
Research Insights from University College London:
Tests conducted by researchers at University College London have indicated that 6G could potentially deliver download speeds of up to 1 TB/s. Such speeds promise to revolutionize connectivity with near-zero latency, which is expected to have a profound impact on sectors relying heavily on real-time data exchange, including artificial intelligence, industrial production, and media streaming.
Setting the Stage for Future Adoption:
Brazil’s advancements in 5G are laying a strong groundwork for the eventual adoption of 6G. Although the specific timeline for 6G implementation in Brazil is yet to be determined, the country’s dynamic engagement with technological infrastructure suggests it will closely follow the global trend. As the world watches, Brazil is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the telecommunications arena, ready to leverage cutting-edge connectivity to spur innovation and economic growth.
Source: Canaltech, Opensignal
