Data from Wireless World Forum?s ?Brazil Mobile Market 2006? statistical handbook reveals that mobile ownership in Brazil will reach nearly 80 million individuals by 2006, making it the 5th largest mobile population in the world (ranked after China, USA, India and Japan).

Brazil will overtake Japan and rise to 4th place in 2007, with under 25s responsible for the majority of the 10 million new subscriptions.

As ownership in the $13.5 bn annual mobile market rises, ARPU is falling ? from $15.9 pcm in 2004 to $13.6 pcm in 2007. Despite falling ARPU, rising ownership has lead to an increase in revenues. Current revenues will rise 8.7% by 2007 to $15 bn. The majority of new subscriptions are prepaid.

Data usage is on the rise, contributing under $1 to ARPU in 2006, although this is predominantly SMS (a $700 million a year market).

Data contained in the report on:

• Vivo
• TIM
• Claro
• Oi Cellular
• Amazonia/Telemig
• Brasil Telecom