Brazil had an estimated population of 208.7mn people and 248.3mn mobile subscriptions at the end of 20151, giving a mobile penetration of 119% - the fifth highest level of penetration in South America. Around 74% of subscribers have a pre-paid account, which ranks 7th amongst the South American countries. Peru ranks the lowest with 65% pre-paid subscribers. There are seven mobile network operators (MNOs) serving the Brazilian market (See figure 1), with four large operators serving more than 45mn subscribers each and three smaller operators with a combined subscriber base of less than 6mn. Vivo (Telefónica) currently holds the largest market share with 69.0mn subscribers closely followed by TIM (Telecom Italia) 65.0mn, Claro (América Móvil) 61.6mn and Oi with 47.0mn subscribers. The smallest operator Sercomtel, had fewer than 65,000 subscribers at the end of 2015.
Mott MacDonald,
April 25, 2016