Free satellite kit: find out if you are entitled and how to order

With the start of operations of 5G in Brazil, the TV signal via satellite dish will need changes across the country. This is because the 5G signal will cause interference in the system currently used. Thus, those traditional large and round metal antennas will need to be replaced by models compatible with the new signal transmission technology. To help low-income people in this transition, the Federal Government will distribute a free satellite dish over the next few months. Find out, below, if you are entitled to the benefit.

Why will 5G end the satellite signal?

5G officially arrived in Brazil at the beginning of July, with the signal being initially released in the Federal District. the connection is 20 times faster than current 4G and should boost the use of smartphones in the national territory. The arrival of technology, however, will impact around 20 million families who watch channels open by satellite dishes.

This happens because the satellite dishes in Brazil transmit their data over the C band, which operates in the frequency between 3,7 GHz to 6,45 GHz. 5G operates on the 3,5 GHz frequency, and the proximity of these frequencies causes interference in the image and sound of televisions, although 5G for mobile is not affected.

The only solution found was to transfer the TV signal from the satellite dishes to the Ku band. The Federal Government announced a deadline of 18 months until Band C is no longer used by current satellite dishes. As a result, those who depend on a satellite dish to watch television will have to exchange their devices for new devices that operate in the Ku Band.

According to Range Management Company (EAF), which is currently formed by operators Claro, Tim and Vivo, 20 million families will be impacted by the change. However, to about 10 million families registered in CadÚnico, a register of low-income people from the Federal Government, the exchange will take place free of charge, since it is the EAF itself that will bear the costs arising from the exchange of devices. The other 10 million families will have to pay for the replacement of their equipment, as determined by the 5G edict.

Who can receive the free digital satellite dish kit?

The kits distributed free of charge to low-income families will include the 60 cm dish, smaller than the current one, cables and connectors, remote control and the Ku Band receiver with HDMI or RCA input, thus serving both modern televisions like the old tubes. The entity Stay tuned, which brings together telephone operators, is responsible for supporting the population during the transition. The expectation is that the migration with the distribution and installation of kits with the new government dish will be completed between the end of July and the beginning of August.

To apply for the benefit and receive the equipment, the family must be registered in federal government social benefits and that she currently has a satellite dish in operation. In that first moment, the change will happen only in Brazilian capitals. If the family is able, it is necessary to make the request over the phone 0800 729 2404 or by entity's official website and inform the CPF or Social Identification Number (NIS). Then, a day and time will be scheduled for the exchange to take place. In addition to making the kit available, the entity installs the receiver free of charge.

How to order your digital satellite dish online for free

01. If your family is registered with CadÚnico and has a working satellite dish, visit the website of Siga Antenado e click on the “Kit Distribution Program” button, located in the upper right corner.

02. Then choose if you want to proceed with the registration using CPF or NIS, putting the data of the family responsible in the box below.

03. Finally, just continue the process, following the steps requested by the website and, finally, scheduling the day and time for installing the parabolic kit.

Channels are now available on the digital dish

In total, around 200 open TV channels transmitted by satellite – the so-called TVRO – have already indicated their interest in carrying out the migration and using the Ku Band. Of this number, 118 channels are part of the preferential list of use of the satellites of the Embratel Star One, responsible for “accommodating” these channels and transmitting the content throughout the national territory. O StarOne D2 is a satellite recently launched by Claro/Embratel, which is positioned at 70º West. The use of this platform was taken for granted considering the existing contracts between the TV stations and Claro for the use of StarOne C2, where the channels broadcast in Band C are currently located.

So far, 42 of the 118 broadcasters that could migrate have already activated dual lighting (signal transmission) in the country and are broadcasting both in the C Band, which they already used, and in the Ku Band, through the satellites of the Embratel. Check out the list of the 42 channels that already retransmit the Ku-band signal below:

1. Band BA
2. Band MG
3. Band RJ
4. Band SAT
5. Band SP
6. CNT Curitiba
7. CNT Rio de Janeiro
8. Evangelizar
9. Globe Brasilia
10. Globe Minas
11. Northeast Globe
12. RJ balloon
13. SP globe
14. ideal TV
15. Young Pan News
16. Eternal Father
17. record news
18. Network 21
19. Family Network
20. Gazeta SP Network
21. Rede vida
22. Life Network 2
23. Life Network 3
24. SB extension
25. SBT
26. BSB BSB
27. SBT RIO
28. SBT RS
29. SBT SP
30. Living Earth
31. TVRO TEST
32. TVRO 2 TEST
33. TV Brasil
34. TV Brazil 2
35. TV Camera
36. New Song TV
37. TV Horizon
38. TV Justice
39. TV Record National
40. 21st Century TV
41. Senate TV
42. TV Truth

As determined by the Gaispi, a group that guides the cleaning of the 3,5 GHz spectrum for the arrival of 5G, there is no problem if the other C-band TVRO channels with preemptive rights take time to activate the Ku-band signal. THE Embratel Star One, however, needs to leave space reserved for them on its satellites.

Who needs the new digital dish?

Digital satellite dishes are aimed at those who do not have equipment compatible with the integrated digital signal or who live in locations where signal transmission is not yet available. If you are not sure if your region is supported by digital signal, the website Globe Possui uma ferramenta where you can check coverage for your location. In the case of satellite dishes of subscription channels, the exchange is not necessary, since they use different bands, which will not suffer interference due to 5G.

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See also:

With the arrival of 5G in Brazil, users will be able to enjoy a much faster internet than the current 4G. However, it is necessary to check if the smartphone used supports the new bands. Check if your cell phone is compatible with the new technology.

Sources: Stay tuned, Metropolis, G1.