Brasília, 4/23/2004 (Agência Brasil) - The number of cell phones in Brazil rose to 49.1 million in March, according to the sector regulatory agency (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações) (Anatel). That is an increase of 15 million in a year (in March 2003, there were 42 million mobile phones in Brazil).

At the moment, 27 out of every 100 Brazilians have cell phones. A year ago that number was 20.

Out of the 49.1 million cell phones in use, the vast majority, 38.1 million, are pre-paid (they use a card). The rest are post-paid by billing.

The largest number of cell phones are in the Southeast region - 25.3 million. And São Paulo is the state with the most: 12.9 million, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 6.8 million.

Translator: Allen Bennett