Brazil launches national highway connectivity policy

The Brazilian Federal Government, through the Ministries of Communications and Transport, has launched the National Highway Connectivity Policy. The initiative aims to double mobile phone coverage on federal highways, increasing the current 27,200 kilometers of coverage to 57,100 kilometers.

When including state roads, the policy targets a total expansion to 72,300 kilometers. By 2027, the government expects to connect an additional 16,000 kilometers of federal roads, including the entire 4,800-kilometer stretch of the BR-101 highway. In the state of Acre, the BR-364 highway is expected to see a 672-kilometer expansion of signal coverage.

The strategy utilizes regulatory, technological, and financial tools, such as the 700 MHz frequency band auction and connectivity requirements in road concession contracts. A key component is mandatory signal sharing (roaming) between operators, which is estimated to increase consumer coverage on federal highways from 36.6% to 58.9%. This measure is intended to improve logistics, road safety, and emergency communication for millions of travelers and cargo transporters.