Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG), Brazil’s largest integrated electricity company, has deployed an LTE 450 MHz power grid communications network across Minas Gerais state. The infrastructure serves approximately 90 million consumption units via a distribution network spanning more than 700,000 kilometers.
CEMIG operates in generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electricity. The company serves 774 municipalities in Minas Gerais with over 9 million customers. The utility manages one of Brazil’s largest electricity networks, delivering power from major cities to rural areas, serving both industrial and agricultural sectors.
The company is executing its largest investment plan in history. This expansion includes doubling the number of substations, increasing capacity, and modernizing operating methods comprehensively. However, communications infrastructure limitations constrained this growth plan. As CEMIG expanded its electrical system to deliver increased safety, quality, and flexibility levels, telecommunications infrastructure needed to scale accordingly across all facilities.
LTE 450 MHz Power Grid Selection and Specifications
Following a public tender process, Huawei was selected to provide the LTE 450 MHz power grid solution. The company delivered the strongest technical proposal aligned with electricity sector requirements. After internal and external studies, CEMIG chose the 450 MHz frequency band, which complies with 3GPP standards and offers an integrated, mature end-to-end system.
This frequency band features broad coverage, high capacity for extensive concurrent connections, elevated reliability, and strong economic efficiency. The 450 MHz spectrum is used globally in the power sector. Huawei ranks among leading global companies providing specialized solutions for electricity utilities.
Network Architecture and Centralized Management
CEMIG’s eLTE private power network solution enables deployment of a high-capacity communications network covering all of Minas Gerais state with integrated centralized management from the company’s control rooms. The partnership extends beyond technology implementation. For CEMIG, this solution represents a more efficient capital investment approach, achieving better cost-to-return balance.
The advanced communications system accelerates asset modernization and ensures safe operation and automation. Advanced telecommunications infrastructure has become essential rather than secondary for modern power sector operations. The global energy industry is moving toward private LTE-based networks.
Future Outlook for Brazil’s Power Infrastructure
This deployment positions CEMIG to meet rising demand for reliable, stable, and efficient power delivery. The LTE 450 MHz infrastructure supports automation requirements, remote monitoring capabilities, and operational flexibility essential for modern electricity distribution. The network underpins CEMIG’s capacity to serve growing populations while maintaining service quality and safety standards across urban and rural areas.
