Brazil invests about 59 million reais to expand rural mobile and 5G in Juazeiro and Petrolina

The Ministry of Communications announced a combined investment of roughly R$ 59 million to improve mobile connectivity in the rural areas of Juazeiro (Bahia) and Petrolina (Pernambuco). Juazeiro will receive around R$ 39 million for 23 new mobile‑phone stations serving 24 localities, while Petrolina will get about R$ 20.4 million for 12 stations that will provide 5G service to 13 communities.

The projects are part of the federal Brazil Digital program to extend digital inclusion to the countryside. They include the rollout of new digital‑TV channels, a training centre at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley, and the installation of further antenna sites across the states. In Bahia, 81 towers already serve 37 municipalities; in Pernambuco, 267 towers cover 114 municipalities, with a total state investment of R$ 453.9 million, of which R$ 345.1 million has been executed and the remainder scheduled through 2026. Minister of Communications Frederico de Siqueira Filho said the aim is to bring the same digital opportunities to rural residents as those available in urban centres, enabling telemedicine, digital payments, remote education and faster emergency calls.