The Brazilian market is the most robust and competitive in Latin America, yet still full of opportunities within the telecommunications sector. As Brazil continues its evolution towards improved connectivity, 5G infrastructure, and greater digital inclusion, significant developments are unfolding in the telecom landscape.
Brazil - estimated tower ownership Q1 2025
In 2024, Highline, a leading telecom infrastructure player, successfully raised BRL 2.3 billion (approximately US$378mn) through a new debenture issue. These funds will support the construction of new mobile towers across Brazil, expanding Highline’s infrastructure footprint in key regions. Additionally, Highline secured a major acquisition of 8,000 telecom towers from Oi, further strengthening its position in the market.
QMC Telecom, in another 2024 development, completed a mobile network densification project in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro. The project, which integrated macro towers and street-level solutions (SLS), aimed to enhance network coverage and data capacity. This advanced network infrastructure marks a shift toward more efficient and higher-quality connectivity, which is crucial for meeting the increasing demands of mobile data and the upcoming 5G.
In the evolving infrastructure space, IHS Towers and American Tower have remained key players in Brazil, acquiring portfolios of telecom towers from companies like Oi, and contributing to the country’s growing tower market.
American Tower continues to lead Brazil’s telecom tower landscape, following several acquisitions, including those from Telefónica and Nextel (now owned by América
Móvil). As the telecom industry in Brazil continues to modernise, the government is also working to improve regulatory frameworks, enabling more efficient deployments of telecom infrastructure. While the country faces some challenges, including political fluctuations and rural connectivity issues, the Brazilian telecom market offers immense opportunities for companies that can navigate its dynamic environment. rollout.
SpaceSail, a Chinese company specializing in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, announced its entry into the Brazilian market in 2024, marking a competitive challenge for SpaceX’s Starlink. SpaceSail formed a partnership with
Telebras, Brazil’s state-owned telecommunications operator, to provide satellite broadband services to underserved regions, particularly those lacking fiber-optic infrastructure. The first services from this partnership are expected to go live by 2026, potentially transforming connectivity options in rural and remote areas. Brazil’s telecom market continues to see growth through new entrants and strategic partnerships.
In 2024. Brazil Infrastructure Company (BIC), an independent tower company, is set to expand its presence by building 200 towers across the country, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Previously, Phoenix Tower International (PTI) acquired an independent towerco, FLW Infra, and its portfolio of 200 towers, re-entering the Brazilian market after a brief hiatus.
Brazil - telecom market statistics Q1 2025
The country’s telecom industry is also benefiting from increased competition among mobile operators, with TIM, Vivo (Telefónica), Claro (América Móvil), and fixed wireless operatorslike Telecall investing heavily in network expansion. The Brazilian government continues to push forward with its goal of providing 5G coverage across all 5,570 municipalities by 2026, further stimulating investments in telecom infrastructure.
