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Elon Musk's Starlink is launching its revolutionary constellation to connect cell phones anywhere, including in Brazil. With cutting-edge technology and global partnerships, the project promises to transform internet access, especially in remote and rural areas.
Imagine a scenario where you never have to worry about a lack of cell phone signal again, no matter where you are.
Does it sound futuristic? Well, that's exactly what it is. Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite company, is proposing with its new satellite constellation dedicated to connecting cell phones anywhere in the world.
What is the Starlink Direct to Cell constellation?
According to information from SpaceX itself, last week, Starlink added 20 new satellites to its low-orbit constellation, 13 of which have technology to establish a direct connection with conventional cell phones, without the need for adaptations to the devices.
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With this, the company completed the first phase of the “Direct to Cell” project, totaling approximately 330 satellites aimed at direct communication with smartphones, all of them launched throughout 2024.
According to Elon Musk, The main objective of this infrastructure is to offer connection in remote areas or areas without terrestrial coverage, mainly serving regions where traditional networks do not reach.
“This will allow unmodified mobile phones to have internet connectivity in remote areas. The bandwidth per beam is only about 10 Mbps, but future constellations will have more capacity,” Musk explained in a recent interview.
Partnerships and regulatory approvals
Another crucial point for the expansion of the project was the approval of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the equivalent of Anatel in the United States.
The authorization, granted in November 2024, allows SpaceX to operate up to 7.500 Gen2 satellites, significantly expanding global coverage.
Since 2022, SpaceX has been collaborating with operator T-Mobile to make this technology viable in the United States.
The project primarily aims to serve rural and remote areas, allowing users to send messages via satellite even in places where terrestrial communication infrastructure is non-existent.
T-Mobile isn’t the only Starlink partner. The company has also partnered with Entel, which operates in Chile and Peru; Salt, from Switzerland; and Rogers, from Canada, expanding the service’s reach to different global markets.
Technological advances and connection speed
The first practical results of this technology have also already been recorded.
In January 2024, SpaceX and T-Mobile sent the first text messages via satellite to unmodified Android phones.
Just two months later, in March, a peak download speed of 17 Mbps was recorded using the company's low-orbit constellation.
While current numbers are still not comparable to 4G and 5G networks in terms of bandwidth, Musk promises that future generations of satellites will bring significant improvements.
The initial focus, according to him, is on digital inclusion, connecting communities that currently live in technological isolation.
Impact on Brazil
In the Brazilian context, Starlink technology can bring solutions to one of the biggest infrastructure challenges: the lack of connectivity in remote regions, such as the Amazon and the interior of the Northeast.
According to recent studies by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), around 20% of the Brazilian population still faces difficulties in accessing quality internet.
In 2023, Starlink had already entered into a partnership with the Brazilian government to bring high-speed internet to public schools in isolated regions.
This agreement, which involved the provision of equipment and infrastructure, benefited hundreds of school communities.
Now, with the expansion of the Direct to Cell project, the expectation is that Ordinary citizens can also benefit from this innovative technology.
Another point to be considered is the impact on the national telecommunications market.
Operators such as Vivo, Claro, TIM and Oi may face direct competition, especially in locations where they are unable to provide coverage.
Starlink's entry into this segment could foster greater competition, resulting in better services and prices for consumers.
The challenges and future of technology
Despite the great potential, some challenges remain. The current capacity of the constellation is limited, and the technology is still in the early stages of development.
Additionally, we bring the costs involved can be an obstacle to mass adoption, especially in developing countries like Brazil.
Another factor that deserves attention is regulation. As occurred in the United States, Anatel would need to approve the operation of this technology in Brazil.
The process may involve lengthy discussions with local operators and adjustments to meet the specificities of the national market.
However, if successful, Starlink's technology promises to open a new chapter in the history of communications.
Digital inclusion, market expansion and improved service quality are just some of the expected benefits.
How to sign up for the service from Starlink
Although the Direct to Cell service is not yet available to end consumers in Brazil, interested parties can follow updates on the official Starlink website.
For more details on technology-related courses and learning opportunities, visit this link.
And you, do you believe that Starlink can really revolutionize the telecommunications market in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments!
