Quick Answer
Vivo is Brazil’s largest operator with 102 million subscribers and the best fiber technology using FTTH with symmetric speeds. TIM serves 75 million subscribers with 100% FTTH through TIM UltraFibra at R$10-20 lower monthly cost. Vivo has better technology. TIM has better pricing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Both operators use pure FTTH fiber. This table shows where they differ on price, speed, and features.
| Feature | Vivo | TIM |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Subs | 102 million | 75 million |
| Fiber Type | FTTH symmetric | 100% FTTH |
| Upload Ratio | ~50% of download | Near-symmetric |
| Broadband Price | R$110-170/month | R$90-140/month |
| Technology | FTTH, 5G, 4G LTE | FTTH, 5G, 4G LTE |
| Services | Mobile, fiber, DSL, IPTV | Mobile, fiber |
| Strength | Best technology, scale | Best value per real |
Test Vivo speed | Test TIM speed
Speed Comparison
Vivo’s FTTH fiber offers symmetric speeds with roughly 50% upload-to-download ratio. A 600 Mbps Vivo plan delivers around 300 Mbps upload. This is among the best upload performance in Brazil.
TIM UltraFibra also uses 100% FTTH and delivers strong uploads. TIM edges Vivo slightly on upload speed at lower tiers. At higher speed tiers, Vivo’s network advantage shows more clearly.
Both operators have 5G active in major Brazilian cities. Vivo’s mobile network is larger. TIM’s mobile speeds are competitive in urban areas where both have coverage.
For download-heavy tasks, both deliver similar performance. The difference is subtle and varies by city.
Run a speed test to measure your actual connection.
Coverage
Vivo has the largest mobile network in Brazil at 102 million subscribers. Its fiber broadband footprint covers more addresses than TIM. Vivo also still operates DSL in areas where fiber has not been built.
TIM’s FTTH coverage is growing but smaller than Vivo’s. TIM does not offer DSL or cable as a fallback. If TIM fiber is not at your address, TIM has no broadband option for you.
Vivo’s wider coverage means more Brazilian addresses can get Vivo broadband. In cities where both operators have fiber, the coverage question becomes less relevant.
Which Should You Choose?
Vivo suits users who want the best available fiber technology and the widest service options. Vivo’s symmetric uploads are excellent for remote workers and content creators. Bundling mobile, fiber, and IPTV under Vivo simplifies billing.
TIM suits price-focused users who have TIM UltraFibra at their address. At R$10-20 less per month than Vivo for similar speeds, TIM saves R$120-240 per year. The fiber quality is comparable.
For a cheaper broadband alternative, compare Claro which uses HFC cable and fiber with broader coverage.
Summary
Vivo has the best technology and widest reach in Brazil. TIM matches Vivo on fiber quality at lower monthly prices. Both use FTTH. Both have 5G. The deciding factors are availability at your address and how much you want to pay monthly.
Test your connection at Kencang speed test and check the Brazil internet overview for full market data.
Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Data Sources: Anatel Brazil, Opensignal, operator investor reports