Celebrating its 70th anniversary, Algar Telecom, one of Brazil’s top ISPs, projects ahead with a keen focus on fiber broadband, wireless, and content services, all bundled neatly for B2B and B2C consumers. Operating in 16 out of Brazil’s 26 states, Algar Telecom remains ambitious in a market of around 10,000 ISPs, all competing for customer market share.
Currently, Algar caters to nearly 1.5 million businesses and residences from the northeast to the south. Touching 400 cities across the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, and the Federal District, the scope is undeniably vast. Algar CEO, Jean Carlos Borges said, “We maintain a delicate equilibrium between high standards of technology, quality services, and customer experience.”
At the frontlines of quality service, Algar has been steadily active with fiber to the home (FTTH), stretching broadband to homes, businesses, and apartment buildings. Mr. Borges claims, “Broadband is the cardinal element. The network is compulsory – truly indispensable – but it is not adequate.”
Broadband connectivity is essential for delivering the necessary content that meets the customer demands in both B2B and B2C sectors. Borges comments, “With the sound combination of IT products and services alongside the connectivity, we are in essence, the one-stop solution for our clients.”
Committed to quality, Algar provides almost half of its customer base in the retail space with broadband services that push download speeds of 600 Mbps and above. A 1 Gbps service is available and plans to escalate service to 2 Gbps are underway.
In a fierce battle for market share, Algar has succeeded by pairing fixed-line connectivity with wireless services. Most of Algar’s customers reportedly prefer these bundled services. With 5G soon to be on the Brazilian scene, Algar is formulating similar integration tactical approaches. With the 5G rollout commencing in the spring of 2022, coverage has already accelerated to nearly 50%, a fact not lost on Algar as it begins offering 5G services to its customers.
As communication evolved, so did Algar, by adapting services and nurturing key partnerships. One such collaboration with Huawei has borne rich rewards. Borges reminisces, “Our partnership started at the close of ’90s – precisely 1998 – when we bought a C&C08 switch from Huawei. It was breath-taking in terms of fixed-wire line products and was used for voice communications.”
Borges further explained that in 2004, Algar rallied with Huawei to switch from TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) technology to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network. By Christmas, the newly minted GSM solution was in operation, a development that Borges fondly recalled saying, “We love it.”
Taking strides alongside Huawei, Algar foresees continued partnership blending both 5G and fiber services. Since 2005, Algar has been expanding its broadband network, well-tailored to meet specific client needs, be it in the B2B or B2C space. As Mr. Borges signifies, “We believe that we have at least 100 years ahead of us. And we’re totally prepared to expand our networks and serve many more clients.”
