Four major telecommunications companies signed an accord with Brazil

Four major telecommunications companies signed an accord with Brazil's Communications Ministry Thursday, agreeing to offer broadband internet access to Brazilian consumers at cheaper rates.
The accord, which will become effective within 90 days, is part of government policy to "democratize" internet access by making it available to more sectors of the population, according to government news agency Agencia Brasil. The four companies, CTBC, Oi, Sercomtel and Telefonica, agreed to offer broadband internet access at a speed of 1 megabit per second in Brazil at a price of 35 Brazilian reais ($22.43) per month. This is around half current rates. The service, including at speeds of up to 5 megabits, should be available in 70% of Brazilian households by 2014, Agencia Brasil said.
The price will be reviewed annually and the government won't subsidize the services offered, according to the terms of the accord.

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