GatesAir returns to Brazil to capture DTV+ and ATSC 3.0 infrastructure spend

The move secures a critical hardware beachhead as Brazil implements DTV+, a massive infrastructure shift toward IP-integrated 4K broadcasting. By establishing local assembly and repair, GatesAir mitigates high import costs and logistical delays that often hamper South American deployments. This strategy targets the estimated 80% of Brazil’s population who rely on terrestrial television, positioning GatesAir to dominate the replacement cycle for legacy transmitters. For the broader industry, it signals that technical proximity is now a competitive necessity in markets undergoing next-gen standard transitions. Watch for initial commercial DTV+ deployment metrics in major Brazilian capitals during late 2026 to gauge the pace of hardware installation.

The expansion follows a landmark August 2025 Presidential Decree signed by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which officially codified the ATSC 3.0-based DTV+ system as Brazil's television standard. Per ATSC and Telecompaper (December 2024), the system integrates 4K resolution, immersive audio, and app-based navigation to bridge the gap between traditional linear broadcast and internet-delivered content. Large-scale testing is already mature; per Broadband TV News (August 2025), Globo launched a pilot DTV+ station in Rio de Janeiro to coincide with its 60th anniversary.

GatesAir’s timing also leverages a global shift toward managed broadcast services. At NAB Show 2026, the company officially launched AirWatch365, a 24/7 managed service designed to address a global shortage of broadcast engineers. Per TV Technology (March 2026), the platform uses cloud-based monitoring and an on-premises 'Edge Gateway' to provide predictive diagnostics. This local monitoring hub in Brazil addresses specific market pain points, as aging RF technicians retire and broadcasters transition to the more complex IP-based workflows required for ATSC 3.0.

Competitive activity in the region remains high as the FIFA World Cup approaches. Per TechSci Research (February 2026), rival Rohde & Schwarz recently partnered with TV Globo for a national digital transmitter deployment, highlighting the urgency for vendors to secure supply chains within Brazil. While full national coverage is expected to take up to 15 years, the initial commercial rollout in major capitals is slated for the first half of 2026, necessitating the localized support structures GatesAir has now established.