Anatel has begun studies on the use of frequencies in the 450 MHz band for CDMA fixed-line access in rural areas, said Deputy Director-General Antônio Carlos Valente in a presentation at Telexpo 2003 on Tuesday, March 25. The band is ideal for remote communities because of its range (base stations can cover a radius of up to 60 kilometers) and lower cost than satellite technology. Furthermore, he explained, no line of sight is required between the phone and the transmitting antenna. The 450 MHz is currently used for point-to-point and point-multipoint services, which could be shifted to the 3500 MHz or 10.5 MHz bands, Mr Valente said.
Lucent is conducting the studies in partnership with Anatel. According to Luís Cláudio Rosa, Lucent?s vice president for technology, the 450 MHz band is available for fixed wireless voice and data applications in East European countries such as Russia, Poland and Romania, as well as in China. Lucent is interested in seeing other Latin American countries use the band for these applications besides Brazil.
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