en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian Ministry of Communications (MCom) announced that the "Brasil Digital" program has completed 55 digital TV transmission stations, covering 147 cities and benefiting approximately 10.4 million people. The stations transmit open, free-to-air signals from the Brazilian Communications Company (EBC) and the legislative network.

The program's goal for the second half of 2026 is to install an additional 75 stations, further expanding coverage. The Ministry of Communications detailed the program's implementation timeline, which is expected to be completed by December 2027. The total project investment is 208 million Brazilian reais, funded by remaining funds from the 4G auction, managed by the Group for the Implementation of the Reallocation and Digitization Process (Gired), and the "New Growth Acceleration Program" (Novo PAC). The program targets cities that have not yet received authorized stations and collaborates with universities, state and municipal governments, legislative assemblies, and city councils. These entities are responsible for providing the infrastructure required for equipment installation.

Wilson Wellisch, Secretary of Broadcasting at the Ministry of Communications, stated that the goal of the "Brasil Digital" program is to expand the provision of digital TV services, particularly in areas with lower levels of digitization. Wellisch explained that the program is implemented through three pathways. The first is a pilot project, managed by EBC, with a budget of 16.2 million reais for building 32 stations. The second corresponds to MCom's contracts for the procurement and installation of transmission equipment. The third uses funds managed by EAD/Gired, with an approved budget of 105.5 million reais.

Regarding contracts directly executed by MCom, the Secretary revealed that 45 million reais have been committed, with an additional 41.2 million reais pending disbursement. This contract plans to build 111 stations, 38 of which should be completed by the end of 2026, with the project expected to conclude in December 2027. The 55 stations already delivered and the 75 stations planned for the second half of the year are the combined result of MCom contracts, the pilot project, and the Gired/EAD funding pathway.

Minister of Communications Frederico Siqueira stated that the initiative is part of the government's strategy to strengthen public communication and expand access to information. He said that residents in the benefited areas will gain access to better image quality, stronger signal quality, and more high-quality content. In addition to the Brazil TV channel, the "Brasil Digital" program transmits signals for government channels, educational channels, health channels, the Chamber of Deputies TV, the Federal Senate TV, state legislative assembly TV channels, and city council TV channels (where available) to the beneficiary cities.