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Approved by Anatel, the expansion of the Starlink satellite fleet could change the game for the internet in Brazil, but raises concerns about space, competition, and sovereignty. Understand what is at stake with this historical decision.
Starlink, a company of billionaire Elon Musk, received authorization from Anatel to operate an additional 7,500 satellites in Brazil, significantly expanding its presence in the national territory.
The decision, announced on April 8, 2025, represents a new chapter in the advancement of low-orbit satellite internet technology in the country, despite the resistance from other operators such as Claro, Vivo, and TIM.
With the approval, Starlink will be able to operate a total of 11,900 satellites in Brazil by 2027.
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Prior to the decision, the company was already authorized to use 4,400 units.
The new measure reinforces Elon Musk’s global plan to offer high-speed internet in remote and hard-to-reach areas — a promising market, especially in countries of continental dimensions like Brazil.
Expansion Approved Despite Opposition
The approval from the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) occurred in a deliberative circuit, a modality that allows the collection of votes from counselors without the need for a physical meeting.
Even in the face of opposition from large companies in the sector, such as Claro, the agency decided to favor Starlink’s expansion, justifying the move based on technological advances and benefits to connectivity in isolated regions.
According to experts consulted by technology portals, Starlink’s aggressive entry into the Brazilian market raises concerns about fair competition, space sustainability, and digital sovereignty.
These points were even highlighted by Anatel itself through a “regulatory alert” published alongside the decision.
The Regulatory Alert and the Risks Involved
Although it authorized the expansion, Anatel acknowledged that the operation of thousands of low-orbit satellites involves challenges that still need to be regulated more clearly.
“In light of the effects resulting from the intensified commercial exploitation of low-orbit satellites, a regulatory alert is issued to highlight the ongoing update of the current regulatory framework,” stated counselor Alexandre Freire.
Freire further emphasized that the review of the norms must consider international guidelines, principles of sustainability, efficient use of the spectrum, network security, national sovereignty, and promotion of competition.
This statement evidences the concern that accelerated expansion without adequate regulation could harm the diversity of operators and Brazil’s technological autonomy.
How Low-Orbit Satellites Like Those of Starlink Work
Low-orbit satellites, also referred to as non-geostationary, operate differently from traditional fixed satellites that rotate in sync with the Earth.
They orbit the planet at lower altitudes and at distinct speeds, allowing for a faster connection with lower latency, but requiring a significantly greater number of satellites to maintain constant coverage.
This type of technology is essential for providing internet access to areas without traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
This is the case for the Amazon, the Pantanal, and rural and indigenous areas, where internet access is still poor or non-existent.
According to Anatel data, about 40 million Brazilians live in regions with limited or non-existent coverage.
What the Anatel Regulation Says
The current General Regulation for the Exploration of Satellites, created in 2021, stipulates that systems from different operators must coexist, avoiding practices that could restrict competition.
The regulation also allows Anatel to revoke authorizations if it identifies risks to market balance.
Despite this, there is still no specific regulatory impact assessment model to address the mass arrival of systems like that of Starlink.
Therefore, Anatel’s Board of Directors has determined that the agency’s technical areas urgently conduct studies to modernize this framework.
Starlink and the Controversy Between Innovation and Regulation
The decision divided the sector.
On one side, innovation advocates argue that Starlink represents a revolution in digital inclusion and the democratization of internet access.
On the other hand, competing companies and digital law experts warn that reliance on a foreign company can compromise national sovereignty over sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Moreover, space sustainability has become an emerging issue.
The mass launch of satellites increases the risk of collisions and the generation of space debris, which can affect not only other satellite constellations but also future space missions.
SpaceX, responsible for the Starlink launches, claims that its satellites are equipped with automatic deorbiting systems, but scientists are calling for stricter regulations.
The Global Race for Satellite Connection
Starlink is not the only giant competing for space in this billion-dollar market.
Projects like Kuiper (by Amazon), OneWeb (by the British government), and even initiatives from China are also investing in low-orbit satellite constellations.
The promise is the same: global coverage and universal internet access.
With the new authorization, Brazil positions itself as one of Starlink’s main markets in Latin America.
Anatel’s decision also serves as a precedent for other developing countries, which are closely monitoring the impact of operations in Brazilian territory.
With the arrival of an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites, Brazil is firmly entering the era of large-scale space connectivity.
The measure promises to accelerate internet access in remote areas but raises urgent discussions about regulation, sovereignty, and the digital future.
What do you think: Can Elon Musk and Starlink dominate the internet in Brazil, or will traditional companies like Vivo, Claro, and others remain in control? Leave your answer in the comments!
Precisamos sim prover as regiões com sinal limitado e/ou nenhum sinal de internet com cobertura de qualidade.
Meu Primo mora em um sítio a 5km de Torres da Claro e Vivo e não consegue conexão com internet.
As empresas brasileiras que se organizem e melhorem as suas estruturas. Inclusive podem ganhar clientes com pacotes de preços acessíveis.