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Chinese company partners with the Federal Government to expand satellite internet in Brazil, offering an alternative to Starlink with advanced technology and coverage in remote areas

Written by Deborah Araújo
Published 12/02/2025 às 10:27
Chinese giant challenges Elon Musk. Agreement with the federal government and ousts the billionaire's company and transforms the national satellite internet market!
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The hegemony of Starlink, a company owned by Elon Musk, may be numbered in Brazil. This is because the federal government is moving to diversify the satellite internet market. And the main news comes from China: SpaceSail, a company that already operates low-orbit satellites and promises to be a strong competitor to Starlink here. Keep reading to learn all about this 'Starlink of China' and how this new internet will enter the Brazilian market.

Currently, Starlink holds almost 46% of the Brazilian satellite internet market, according to data from Anatel. This is due to its differential: low orbit satellites that offer a connection quality closer to fixed broadband, something unprecedented until then.

But that’s about to change. Shanghai-based SpaceSail already has 18 satellites in operation and has ambitious plans to launch up to 15 satellites by 2030. By comparison, Starlink currently operates about 6 satellites. Those numbers are encouraging, and the federal government believes that SpaceSail’s entry could break the dominance of Elon Musk’s company.

The arrival of a competitor to Starlink is not only a matter of market diversification, but also of strategic security for Brazil. As explained by Hermano Barros Tercios, Secretary of Telecommunications, it is crucial that the country has more suppliers to guarantee an essential service in areas where fiber optics does not reach, such as rural regions and remote locations.

Competition may also lead to cost reductions. Today, satellite internet access is still expensive, which limits its reach. With the entry of SpaceSail, prices are expected to fall, making the service more accessible to the end consumer.

The new frontier of satellite internet

Both Starlink and SpaceSail use LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. These satellites operate at an average distance of 549 km from the surface, much closer than conventional satellites, which are almost XNUMX kilometers away. This proximity reduces latency, providing a much smoother navigation experience.

With this technology, services like streaming, video conferencing, and even online gaming can be performed with surprisingly high quality, even in isolated areas. This is where SpaceSail can shine, offering a robust infrastructure that competes directly with that of Starlink.

The role of satellites in urban mobility

When it comes to urban mobility, satellite internet plays a key role. It not only connects remote regions, but is also vital for transportation systems such as ships, planes and even self-driving cars in the future. The expansion of this market is essential to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they are, has access to Internet access.

China has already demonstrated its strength in this sector with the Beidou constellation, which surpasses the US GPS in terms of the number of satellites. This technological advancement puts the country in a privileged position to compete with American companies like Starlink. Starlink's competitor is a reflection of this capacity, and its entry into the Brazilian market reinforces the importance of diversifying connectivity sources.

The federal government's plan to bring SpaceSail to Brazil could be a game changer for the telecommunications sector. With a growing demand for quality connectivity and increasing reliance on online services, securing multiple providers is essential.

And of course, the competition between Starlink and SpaceSail promises to directly benefit consumers. With more options, prices tend to fall, and the quality of service can increase even further. In a dynamic market like satellite internet, this is crucial to serving both urban and rural areas.

In an increasingly connected world where dependence on the internet is only growing, this technological battle will be one of the biggest events to watch in the coming years. Whether it’s with Elon Musk or SpaceSail, the future of connectivity is in our hands — or rather, in the skies.

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Anon
Anon
12/02/2025 19:35

Hahaha but not even a ****, Elon already dominates

Deborah Araújo

I write about renewable energy, automobiles, science and technology, industry and the main trends in the job market. With a close eye on global developments and daily updates, I am dedicated to always sharing relevant information.

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