Brazil’s telecommunications regulator Anatel has officially noticed Starlink Brazil Authorization to expand its satellite constellation in the country. The decision permits the Elon Musk-backed company to add 7,500 new satellites to its existing operation, strengthening its presence across rural and remote regions of Brazil.
Currently, Starlink has approval to operate 4,408 satellites in Brazilian airspace. The addition of 7,500 units represents a significant scaling of satellite internet infrastructure in Latin America’s largest country.
Starlink Brazil Authorization: Expansion Aims to Close Brazil’s Connectivity Gap
With vast rural territories and limited fiber optic infrastructure in regions like the Amazon and Northeast, Brazil faces major connectivity challenges. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offer a fast, reliable solution for these underserved areas.
Anatel’s green light allows Starlink to support more users, increase bandwidth, and improve latency. This is especially relevant for:
- Remote schools and health centers
- Agriculture and environmental monitoring
- Riverine and mining communities in the Amazon
Brazil Satellite Internet Regulation Supports Growth of LEO Networks
Over the past few years, Brazil has taken steps to modernize its satellite regulations. In 2022, Anatel began streamlining the licensing process for non-geostationary satellite systems. This allowed companies like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to enter the market.
Anatel’s recent approval reinforces Brazil’s goal to expand digital inclusion while maintaining spectrum management standards and space safety protocols.
Starlink Brazil Authorization: A Timeline of Rapid Expansion
- 2021: Anatel grants initial authorization for Starlink to offer services in Brazil.
- 2022–2024: Starlink begins installations in schools, indigenous territories, and emergency zones.
- 2025: The company receives approval to add 7,500 satellites, nearly tripling its local constellation.
The service has gained traction among farmers, fishermen, and riverine miners, who benefit from portable, high-speed internet in areas previously unreachable.
Brazil’s Rural Internet Strategy Relies on Satellite Technology
The Brazilian government has prioritized universal connectivity through programs like “Wi-Fi Brasil” and partnerships with satellite providers. While fiber optics remain dominant in urban hubs, satellite internet has emerged as the best alternative for distant and hard-to-reach locations.
Starlink’s expansion aligns with Brazil’s national digital strategy and offers a technological leap for the country’s rural future.