5G Internet Boosts High-Speed Access for Rural Schools in Brazil

Brazil’s 5G Initiative: Connecting Remote Schools to the Digital World

In a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide, the Brazilian government has initiated trials of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to enhance internet connectivity in public schools, particularly those in remote and rural regions. This move aims to provide students with reliable and high-speed internet access, ensuring equitable educational opportunities across the nation.

Pioneering the Future of Education Connectivity

The Ministry of Communications recently reported promising outcomes from a pilot project conducted over five weeks in three rural schools in Rio Grande do Norte. These schools, situated between 1.6 and 4.7 kilometers from the nearest transmission tower, faced challenges in maintaining a stable internet connection. To address this, external equipment was installed to bolster the 5G signal, resulting in connection speeds and reliability comparable to traditional fiber optic networks.

Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho emphasized the potential of 5G FWA technology, stating, “We aim to connect all 138,000 basic education schools through the Connected Schools programme. The outcome of this pilot shows that 5G FWA could provide a rapid and viable complement to fibre and satellite connections. It speeds up our public policy implementation and broadens opportunities for digital inclusion in the country.”

Expanding Horizons: Nationwide Connectivity Efforts

This pilot project is part of Brazil’s broader strategy to ensure that all 138,000 public primary schools are connected to the internet by 2026. The National Strategy for Connected Schools (Enec), launched in November 2023, seeks to coordinate and monitor efforts to promote equitable access to technology in schools. Despite significant progress, approximately 8,000 state-run schools still lack internet access, with many others not meeting quality targets, especially in the Amazon region and vast rural areas.

To address these challenges, the government has allocated funds from the Telecommunications Services Universalization Fund (Fust) and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) to invest in infrastructure expansion. This includes initiatives like the Connected Education Innovation Policy (PIEC) and the Computers for Inclusion Program, which aims to provide refurbished computers to students in need.

Leveraging 5G FWA for Educational Advancement

The integration of 5G FWA technology into educational settings offers several advantages:

• Rapid Deployment: Unlike fiber optic cables, which require extensive groundwork, 5G FWA can be deployed swiftly, making it ideal for remote areas where traditional infrastructure is challenging to implement.

• High-Speed Connectivity: 5G FWA can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps, ensuring that students and educators have access to the resources they need for effective teaching and learning.

• Scalability: As the demand for digital education tools grows, 5G FWA networks can be expanded to accommodate increasing numbers of users without significant additional infrastructure.

Industry Collaboration and Future Prospects

The success of the pilot project in Rio Grande do Norte has garnered attention from various stakeholders. Telecommunications companies like Claro have been instrumental in advancing 5G technology in Brazil. In August 2023, Claro launched its 5G Fixed Wireless Access service, Claro 5G+, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps to homes and businesses. This service utilizes frequencies in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands, ensuring optimal performance within the 5G network.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Communications, state governments, and private sector entities underscores a collective commitment to enhancing digital inclusion in Brazil. By leveraging 5G FWA technology, Brazil is poised to provide its students with the tools and resources necessary for success in the digital age.

Looking Ahead: A Connected Future for All

As Brazil continues to roll out 5G FWA technology across its public schools, the focus remains on ensuring that every student, regardless of their geographic location, has access to quality education. The government’s proactive approach, combined with industry partnerships, sets a promising precedent for other nations facing similar challenges in digital education.

By embracing innovative solutions like 5G FWA, Brazil is not only enhancing its educational infrastructure but also paving the way for a more inclusive and connected future for all its citizens.

Sources:

• Pilot program in schools in the Federal District shows that 5G FWA technology is an alternative for bringing internet to the classroom

• Brazil connects 500,000 schoolchildren in North, Northeast to internet

• Brazil’s new strategy aims for Internet in all schools

• Brazil expands 5G network, but still has 20% without internet, says minister

• Brazil to install 12 thousand internet access points in public schools

• Brazil launched a call to connect 8,000 schools that do not have access to the Internet

• 5G regulation and law in Brazil

• Tech roundup: 5G turns one in Brazil with goals met

• Case Study: Mobilizing Capital for School Connectivity in Brazil – Giga

• 5G fixed wireless access is key to bridging digital divide | World Economic Forum

• Claro Launches 5G FWA Service in Brazil