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Government Aims to Expand Satellite Internet Offer and Negotiate with Canadian Company for Services Starting in 2027
The Federal Government is seeking a new satellite internet provider to operate in Brazil as an alternative to Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk. To this end, the Minister of Communications, Juscelino Filho, traveled to Canada on Tuesday (18) to closely monitor the advancements of the Canadian satellite constellation of Telesat, one of Starlink’s main competitors, according to the website Estadão.
Partners Besides Starlink
The Brazilian government’s strategy to diversify satellite connectivity services has already begun in 2024. Earlier this year, Brazil signed agreements with the Chinese company SpaceSail, following a series of meetings organized by Juscelino Filho with representatives of SpaceSail from Shanghai and GalaxySpace from Beijing. Both companies offer low Earth orbit satellite technology, ensuring high-speed internet — exactly the same type of service popularized by Starlink.
Telesat, a company with over 50 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, is a new bet by the Brazilian government. Specialized until now in geostationary satellites, Telesat is advancing in the testing of its low Earth orbit satellite constellation, named Telesat Lightspeed. The project plans for the launch of 198 satellites at an altitude of 1,300 km, with a US$ 3.8 billion investment and a promise of high speed and signal stability.
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During an official visit to Canada, Juscelino Filho met in person with Telesat’s CEO, Daniel Goldberg, to discuss the possible implementation of the company’s services in Brazil starting in 2027. The proposal includes bringing connectivity to schools, healthcare units, and other strategic areas.
Crisis Between Canada and the U.S. Favors Negotiations
The international scenario also favors the rapprochement between Brazil and Canada. Recently, the Canadian government announced the cancellation of a US$ 100 million contract with Starlink, following commercial requests with the United States, including tariff increases and protectionist measures. This rupture opened space for the strengthening of other operators, such as Telesat itself.
With this transaction, Brazil clearly signals its intention to diversify suppliers and reduce dependence on a single operator to provide quality internet, especially in remote areas of the country.
