Brazil issues its first Mobile virtual network operators permits

Brazil took another step closer to the launch of mobile virtual network operators late last week when regulator Anatel granted formal permits to operate to Sermatel Comércio e Serviços de Telecomunicações and Porto Seguro Telecomunicações. In a statement Anatel noted that the companies will need to reach commercial deals with network operators in order to launch services.

Insurance company Porto Seguro was the first to broker an MVNO deal earlier this year when TIM Brazil agreed to host its services. And according to various local news sources Sermatel, which operates under the name Datora Telecom, has also reached agreement with TIM.

However, the company's own Website suggests it is planning to operate on the enabler side of the market, rather than offering mobile services direct to customers.

Datora Telecom claims it is setting itself up as a mobile virtual network aggregator (MVNA) that will negotiate with mobile network operators on behalf of its MVNO partners. In addition, it can offer MVNO customers a complete platform on which they can launch services.

Indeed, according to Prepaid MVNO in a June report, Porto Seguro is working with Ericsson and Datora Telecom on the launch of its new MVNO.

The Website quoted Daniel Fuchs, partner at Datora Telecom, as saying his company will act as an MVNE for Porto Seguro, and is in talks with other possible MVNO partners. Porto Seguro has gone on record a number of times as saying it aims to launch before the end of 2011.

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