TIM Brasil has selected Gilat Satellite Networks’s satellite backhaul solution to enable 4G services to rural areas as well as to the agribusiness IoT market.
Initially, Gilat will supply 1,000 VSATs to complement TIM’s cellular coverage program called 4G TIM in the Field, Tobias Dezordi, regional vice president Latin America at Gilat, said.

Marco Di Costanzo, engineering director at TIM Brasil, said: “Gilat’s satellite backhaul solution will allow the 4G network expansion for connectivity of machines and operators to real-time control and monitoring of harvesters and agricultural tractors.”

4G TIM in the field project is already providing connectivity to major farm and mill partners in Brasil. TIM Brasil is planning a complete national coverage calling for expanding its 4G services inland to increase productivity of the farming industry market in rural Brazil.

The 4G project provides robust real-time connectivity, automation, and ultimately delivering products faster and to the right markets.

Gilat will supply a 4G backhaul over a multi-spot beam Ku-band satellite to enable reach to remote areas of Brazil. The satellite backhaul will support the agribusiness IoT market as well as extending coverage to highways and improving the quality of life of the region’s population.

TIM Brasil earlier said its post-paid customer base reached 36.2 percent of the total base, growing at 13.7 percent, in 2018. TIM Live’s UBB customer base grew 19.1 percent, totaling 467,000 connections.

Mobile ARPU of TIM Brasil rose 8.4 percent to R$ 23.7. TIM Live ARPU grew 13.9 percent to R$ 82.1.

TIM Brasil’s 4G coverage reached 3,272 cities. VoLTE technology is available in more than 2,500 cities.

TIM Brasil’s FTTH coverage reached 1.1 million homes in 11 cities.

TIM Brasil’s Capex reached R$ 4 billion in 2018 representing 23 percent of revenues.