Brazilian ISP Brisanet has delayed the launch of its planned 5G offering into next year.
The regional provider had been aiming to launch by the end of 2022, but CEO Jose Roberto Nogueira confirmed in an earnings call that it is now targeting Q2 2023, with the pilot network to be hosted in the coastal city of Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará.
Nogueira stated that rather than partnering with tower companies, Brisanet would build its network “from scratch.” In May this year, the company selected Chinese vendor Huawei as its 5G equipment supplier.
As reported by CommsUpdate, Brisanet acquired three 5G licences in Brazil’s multi-band auctions last year. These include two 80MHz holdings of 3.5GHz spectrum in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as a 50MHz block of 2.3GHz spectrum in the Northeast.
Many regional ISPs are launching more 5G offerings in Brazil after obtaining local licences. In September this year, Winity Telecom signed a six-year deal with Amdocs that will see the firm deliver 4G and 5G services in remote rural areas. However, it was also revealed earlier this year that smaller player Neko asked to vacate its spectrum holding, and in the process relinquished its licence.