By 2014, the government wants Internet access available to 70 percent of Brazilian homes, compared with today’s 27 percent, Paulo Bernardo Silva told reporters.

Internet providers are expected to begin offering this access in 60 days, at speeds of at least one megabit per second for a monthly fee of 35 reals ($23), Silva said.

He cited studies showing that for every 10 percent of the population with access to the Internet, the economy grows 1.4 percent.

“For the economy, the Internet is an essential service,” he said.

By 2014, Brazil should be able to provide the population with Internet speeds of at least five megabits per second, Silva added.

The 12 Brazilian cities that will host the 2014 World Cup are expected to install Internet networks with speeds of between 50 and 100 megabits per second, Silva said.

The government plans to spend 10 million reals ($6.4 million) on the infrastructure needed to expand broadband Internet access.