Denied: Brazil's 4G Network Won't Be Ready for 2014 World Cup

For those looking to make the trip to Brazil for the 2014 Soccer World Cup, we have some bad news: yesterday, the head of Anatel, Brazil's telecom regulator, told Reuters that the 700 MHz 4G wireless network being built in Brazil wouldn't be ready by the time the curtain goes up on the 2014 World Cup.

In the grand scheme of things, a minor inconvenience.

Joao Rezende, president of Anatel, was recently part of an interview in which he presented the good news / bad news scenario. Indeed, the bad news was indeed unfortunate, with the 700 MHz spectrum-based wireless network not yet ready for prime time. But Rezende did have some good news to offer, in that tourists would be able to buy chips to run in Brazil's currently established 2.5 GHz network, or otherwise settle for slower service.

For the most part, those interested in coming to Brazil would likely buy the local chip, especially since there would be little likelihood of roaming.

The issue slowing things down appears to be one of use in the 700 MHz spectrum. Brazilian regulators, according to reports, are actively working to move television broadcasts out of the 700 MHz spectrum so that the spectrum can be taken up by 4G traffic instead. Moving from 2.5 GHz to 700 MHz is actually a better move in the long run, as it requires fewer antennas to provide the same coverage, comparatively speaking.

Regardless of the cause, the word is disheartening to both fans and industry figures, who had hoped that Brazil could pull off the migration in time for the big event. Organizers are reportedly concerned now, not so much that Brazil won't have the 700 MHz 4G service ready in time, but that this represents just another in a series of potential issues ahead of the World Cup. Organizers have reportedly been seen previously expressing concerns about transportation issues, as well as missed deadlines in relation to stadium construction. A spokesman for FIFA, Walter de Gregorio, cited the issues of wireless spectrum as one of the "big challenges" facing World Cup operations in Brazil.

Gregorio elaborated, "We rely on what they say and they say it will be ready. Maybe they should fix 3G first. Maybe they will jump from 2G to 4G."

Having a sufficiently robust and fast wireless network in place isn't just for the benefit of the fans. Consider the kind of infrastructure-level activities that would be facilitated by a proper wireless network, especially as it relates to the 2014 World Cup event. Things like logistics planning, event coordination, and several other fronts all benefit from having access to fast communications measures. Not having these measures in place doesn't necessary preclude an event from taking place, but rather facilitates these events, making them easier to carry out.

Without the proper investment in communications technology – indeed, without proper investment in transportation and stadium construction – the necessary infrastructure of carrying out such events is hampered and thus the event is less likely to come off effectively and efficiently.

Brazil will have its work cut out for it addressing all those concerns, and while they may not necessarily stop the World Cup from coming in 2014, all those concerns still active at once aren't likely to do Brazil – and the soccer community at large – any favors.