In her weekly radio show, Rousseff stated that national telecommunications company Telebras has been authorised to invest the funds to ensure that the World Cup’s 12 host cities have fast mobile internet access by the beginning of the tournament. "This is a legacy which will remain for the Brazilian population after the World Cup and (2016) Olympic Games," she said.
The government’s nationwide plan is set to take effect on October 1 and will aim to extend access to broadband internet to Brazil’s 5,550-plus municipalities by the end of 2014. Prices will also be slashed from the current average of $41 per month to $20 in an effort to encourage take-up.
Rousseff added: “We want to reach at least 40 million households with access to broadband internet, which is very important to our country's development. Internet is at the heart of everything: economy, education, shopping, personal relations and public services.”
