Without Optical Fiber, Rural Internet Expands through Radio Waves

04/26/2018 - 12h05

Fixed broadband access from radio wave transmission grew by 58% from 2015 to 2018 and was especially concentrated in rural areas and areas at the margin of optical fiber infrastructure which doubled during the same period.

This conclusion is from a Folha survey based upon data from Anatel. The utilization of the technology increased the most in the last three years in the states of Tocantins (337%), Amazonas (268%) and Roraima (258%).

Referred to as "Spread Spectrum", radio wave, or digital modulation, this broadband technology is common in regions where distance, logistics or lack of commercial interest impede the laying of cables.

If there is a hill along the way, an antenna installed by a provider can function as a mirror between other connection points.

	Zanone Fraissat/FOLHAPRESS
	Juracy Boudart, 64, artisan and resident in Porto Feliz

Radio wave transmission is utilized to connect houses and cellular phones, even where there is no signal for voice service.

"Digital inclusion today is arriving in two ways, radio wave and optical fiber. In the open radio spectrum, which doesn't require operating licenses, frequencies are polluted, full of regional providers", said Cristiane Sanches, the legal director for Abrint, an entity that represents small companies.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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