Brazil Infrastructure Company (BIC), based in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, is a new entrant into Brazil’s telecom infrastructure market. BIC says its mission is to engage in strategic developments to help mobile network operators close the connectivity gap. Founded by Brazilian industry veterans with extensive experience in telecom infrastructure, BIC specializes in designing and constructing build-to-suit digital assets to bolster nationwide MNO networks.
The new company will have a challenge to find its place. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America with nearly 217 million people. The country’s top three MNOs – Telefónica’s (NYSE: TEF) Vivo, TIM S.A. (NYSE: TIMB), and América Móvil’s (NYSE: AMX) Claro – collectively reported 231 million mobile postpaid and prepaid subscribers, at the end of 1Q24, according to Inside Towers Intelligence. Moreover, Brazil is the largest tower market in the region with 72,212 towers at the end of the first quarter. American Tower (NYSE: AMT), Highline do Brasil, a DigitalBridge Group (NYSE: DBRG) portfolio company and SBA Communications (NASDAQ: SBAC) are Brazil’s leading tower companies.
Certainly, the outlook for wireless network expansion in Brazil is positive. The economy is improving, the market is stabilizing after telecom operator Oi SA’s bankruptcy and subsequent breakup, and Anatel is streamlining regulatory processes.
More importantly, MNOs are planning new investments for greater 5G buildout that significantly lags 4G LTE coverage, according to Inside Towers Intelligence. The leading telecom companies are working to expand network coverage and capacity initially in the major cities by delivering fast internet and seamless mobile connectivity. The challenge is to extend the network into suburban and rural areas, to provide access to mobility and online services.
It is in this latter area that BIC thinks it can be most effective. The company is led by Javier Rodríguez García, Antonio Alvarez Modrono, and Alex Sepehri-Nik, who make up a senior management team with extensive knowledge and expertise in digital infrastructure in Brazil.
“Throughout the years, the BIC management team members have been either directly in charge of Brazil’s telecom rollout or have been sought out by C level management teams and/or the main investors in the market, in order to advise as to the history, present, and future needs of the market,” comments Javier Rodriguez Garcia, BIC’s Founder and CEO. “We know that the time is ripe for a new independent provider of digital assets for the carriers. Right now, the most important thing is to add and grow 5G and 6G rapidly with innovative solutions that will help in this digital expansion.”
BIC says it is finalizing its first investment round that it needs for strategic expansion activity with MNOs and their customers across key regions in Brazil.
By John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor
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