Brazilian Cell Phone Subscriptions Rise 1.17 Million In February

Brazilian mobile phone subscriptions jumped 1.17 million last month, the second-biggest February increase ever, as operators continue to aggressively pursue clients.

The number of mobile phones used in Brazil reached 176.8 million by the end of February, up 0.7% from January, according to figures released by telecommunications regulator Anatel on Thursday.

Vivo Participacoes SA (VIV) maintained market leadership with a 29.93% share of subscriptions, up from 29.87% in January. Vivo is jointly owned by Spain's Telefonica SA (TEF, TEF.MC) and Portugal Telecom SGPS SA (PT, PTC.LB).

Claro, the local unit of Mexico's America Movil SAB (AMX, AMX.MX), was second with a 25.50% share, down marginally from 25.52% the month before.

TIM Participacoes (TSU) was in third place with 23.65%, up slightly from 23.63% the month before. TIM is the local unit of Telecom Italia SpA (TI, TIT.MI).

Fourth-placed mobile-phone operator Tele Norte Leste Participacoes (TNE, TNLP4.BR), also known as Oi, registered a share of 20.56%, down from 20.61% in January.

-By Alastair Stewart, Dow Jones Newswires; 5511 2847-4520; [e-mail]