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5G network grows around the world but Covid-19 may delay arrival in Latin America

Although 5G network grows worldwide, in Brazil, the technology is still being regulated by the government, which should conduct auctions to carriers

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  • 5G mode is the fastest growing wireless mobile technology in new subscribers;
  • It has 17.7 million connections worldwide, while 3G connection took 11 quarters to reach the same level.

The worldwide number of 5G connections has grown and exceeded the growth curve of all previous mobile connections, according to a 5G Americas study reported by Meio&Mensagem. 5G is the fastest growing wireless mobile technology in new subscribers, with 17.7 million connections worldwide. According to Omdia, a consultancy, 5G connections increased 329% between Q3 and Q4 in 2019.

The 3G connection took 11 quarters to reach 17.9 million connections in December 2010. Until the end of last year, Mexico, United States and Canada registered 587,000 5G connections. Latin America and the Caribbean ended 2019 with 1,237 5G connections.

5G Americas said that the first commercial 5G networks arrived in Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands in 2019 and other 5G networks are expected to start operating in the region in 2020. In Brazil, the technology is still being regulated by the government, which should conduct auctions with the telecom carriers. Although forecasts pointed to the progress of the 5G process in Brazil for next year, the coronavirus crisis that paralyzed the world may affect the expected dates.

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