3 min read
0 comments
Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology was tested in São Luís (MA) with regular cell phones and low-orbit satellites; the initiative aims to expand coverage in remote areas and ensure signal in emergencies
Brazil has taken an important step towards full connectivity. The first tests of Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology — which allows satellites to connect directly to standard smartphones — were successfully carried out in Brazil. The operation was conducted by the operator Claro, with technical support from the American company Lynk Global, and monitoring by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).
The tests took place in São Luís, Maranhão, and involved voice calls and sending SMS messages using conventional cell phones such as the Moto G4 Plus, Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13. None of the devices required modifications in the hardware or software to connect to the six non-geostationary satellites used in the experiment, according to the Tecnoblog portal in an article published in March 2025.
Technology could revolutionize internet access in Brazil with the use of satellite
The connection to the satellite was made through the 850 MHz frequency band, authorized on an experimental basis through Anatel's Regulatory Sandbox, which temporarily relaxes rules to encourage innovation. The regulatory body published an official note highlighting that the initiative seeks to bring mobile access to remote regions and areas without cell tower coverage.
- For the first time, astronomers have confirmed the existence of a solitary black hole
- Japan creates drones that capture lightning energy — a world-first technology
- Creating water from scratch is now a reality: scientists record the formation of the molecule in real time with unprecedented precision
- Discovery reveals Roman cemetery with 100 horse skeletons and exposes strong emotional bond between soldiers and their animals in the XNUMXnd century
According to Anatel advisor Alexandre Freire, this technology “has the potential to transform digital inclusion in the country, providing signal in riverside communities, rural areas and even in emergency situations.” The statement was registered on the federal government’s official website (gov.br) after the tests were completed.
Voice calls and sending SMS worked stably
During the tests, the devices were able to make calls of up to 30 seconds clearly and send text messages successfully, as detailed by Tecnoblog. Lynk Global's infrastructure used low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which reduce latency and allow for more efficient connections.
A great advantage of this technology is that it does not require any external antenna or specific configuration on cell phones. The network signal appears directly in the device's notification bar, as if it were a traditional cell tower.
No commercial launch date yet
Despite the positive results, there is still no set date for the commercial launch of D2D technology in Brazil. Anatel stated that it will continue to monitor the tests and assess the technical and regulatory feasibility of large-scale implementation. The expectation is that, in the future, the system will also be able to offer internet access via mobile data, in addition to calls and SMS.
According to the gov.br website, the Regulatory Sandbox remains in force until the end of 2025, allowing other operators and companies in the sector also participate in similar tests with the satellite. Technology can be an important ally in increasing the resilience of communication in natural disasters, power outages and risk areas, especially in the North of Brazil.
