Nextel Brazil, the Brazilian unit of US-based NII Holdings, started its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) service in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, Telegeography.com reports, citing BNAmericas, noting that the company has built a total of 300 antennas in the city, covering some 19 districts, using equipment provided by Huawei Technologies.

In May, Nextel COO and president confirmed the carrier’s plan to switch on its 4G network by mid-year, sparking media speculation that it would rush to get the service live in time for the FIFA World Cup, currently underway in the country. Going forward, the carrier intends to expand coverage to outer metro areas of Rio de Janeiro before extending its footprint to other regions of Brazil.

Unlike its main mobile rivals, which have opted to launch LTE in the 2,500MHz band, Nextel Brazil is using the 1,800MHz band, which critics point out could hamper matters where it comes to number portability. On the other hand, the online portal notes that Brazilians who purchased their 4G devices in the US, for example, will be able to use them on Nextel’s network.