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Starlink satellite technology raises debates about free coverage, expectations for direct connectivity, and regulatory hurdles in Brazil. Learn about the scenario, Anatel's position, and the current status of the service in the country.
The interest of Brazilians in the possibility of using the Starlink internet, created by Elon Musk, free on cell phones has grown in recent months, driven by a series of rumors on social media and messaging apps.
According to National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), however, this technology is not yet released for use on cell phones in Brazil.
The agency clarified, in an official statement, that Elon Musk's company does not have authorization to provide this type of service in the country, thus answering one of the questions that most intrigues millions of Brazilians in 2025.
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A Starlink gained worldwide prominence by offering satellite internet connection in areas where there is no coverage from traditional operators, such as rural regions, isolated communities and hard-to-reach locations.
The new system, called “direct-to-device” or “direct to cell”, promises to further expand this coverage by allowing ordinary cell phones can connect directly to satellites, without relying on terrestrial antennas or towers.
However, despite technological advancements, the functionality has not yet reached Brazilian territory.
Starlink's direct-to-device technology allows users to share their location and send and receive text messages directly from satellites in locations with no carrier signal.
This innovation represents an important step towards global connectivity, offering an alternative in emergency situations or complete lack of signal.
According to Anatel, however, no company is authorized to offer this service for free in Brazil, whether for cell phones or any other mobile device.
In a recent statement, Anatel reinforced: "Direct-to-Cell (or Direct-to-Device) technology could represent a significant advancement in mobile phone coverage. Recognizing this potential, the Agency took the initiative to foster an environment conducive to experimentation with this technology, establishing a regulatory sandbox that favors technical arrangements in this regard.".
However, the agency makes it clear that, until July 2025, Starlink had not obtained the necessary licenses and authorizations to operate this modality in Brazil.
Starlink Internet on Mobile: Why Can't You Use It for Free?
Currently, the satellite broadband service offered by Starlink is only available to homes, businesses and rural properties, always subject to paid plans and the installation of a specific antenna.
Direct connection to a cell phone, at no cost to the user, still depends on changes in regulations, in addition to the need for compatible infrastructure.
According to Anatel, "The provision of mobile services in Brazil is regulated and requires specific authorizations and authorizations to use radio frequencies for cellular purposes. To date, Starlink does not directly hold these necessary licenses.".
In other words, even though the technology already exists and is being tested in other countries, such as the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Chile, and Japan, in Brazil it still faces legal and regulatory issues.
The agency also highlights that Any public offer of mobile internet, whether free or paid, must follow the rules established by Brazilian legislation and Anatel rules..
This includes obtaining specific licenses, ensuring minimum service quality and complying with the tax and technical obligations provided for by law.
Starlink for cell phones: where is the technology already available?
The “direct-to-device” system is already in operation in some regions of the United States and New Zealand, where users of certain operators can access the internet via satellite directly from their cell phones.
In countries such as Australia, Canada, Chile and Japan, the technology is in the testing phase, gradually expanding its availability.
Despite the progress, there is still no country where the service is offered completely free and unrestricted to any cell phone user.
Carriers typically partner with Starlink to provide connectivity in specific situations, such as emergencies, remote areas, or exceptional events.
Full and free access, as some rumors suggest, is not part of the company's business model.
Anatel and the future of Starlink internet on cell phones
A The National Telecommunications Agency is closely monitoring the evolution of satellite internet services. and has already created a regulatory testing environment to encourage the development of these solutions in Brazil.
The so-called “Regulatory Sandbox” is an initiative aimed at experimenting with new technologies, allowing companies to test innovative features under the agency's supervision and within specific rules.
Despite this, to date, the Starlink is only authorized to operate fixed satellite broadband plans in the country., serving mainly homes, businesses, schools and rural properties.
The mobile service, which would allow cell phones to connect directly to satellites, is still being analyzed by Anatel and requires detailed regulations to be released to the public.
Rumors and questions: why has Starlink internet for cell phones become a topic on social media?
The topic gained great repercussion after a series of videos, posts and audios went viral on the internet, promising free Starlink internet for cell phones in Brazil.
The messages, which were not based on official information, contributed to the spread of doubts and unfounded expectations among consumers.
Anatel reinforces that, until July 2025, Any promise of free Starlink internet access on cell phones in Brazil has no legal or technical support..
Those interested in using the company's services must use the plans officially available in the country, aimed exclusively at fixed broadband via satellite.
What to expect from Starlink internet access in Brazil?
Until there is authorization for the use of the “direct-to-device” service in Brazil, consumers will continue to rely on traditional mobile phone networks or satellite broadband plans contracted for homes and businesses.
The expectation is that, with the advancement of regulation and infrastructure, the technology will reach the country in the coming years, expanding access to connectivity in remote regions.
Given this scenario, users are warned to be wary of promises of free Starlink internet access for cell phones, especially in videos, messaging groups, or social media.
Anatel recommends always seeking information from official sources and avoiding sharing unverified content.
So, do you believe Brazil is ready to receive innovative technologies like direct satellite internet on cell phones, or does it still need to overcome many regulatory and infrastructure challenges?
This Brazilian administration will always lag behind in advances for the population. A useless country.
When mobile telephony was born, it was intended to be used directly from satellites, but businesses thought it better to make money by outsourcing the signal like a goose that lays the golden eggs. And in Brazil, no one misses the opportunity to make a tidy fortune with the opportunity to fill their pockets with advertisements from companies that pay to sell their products, and giving a new direction to mobile communications, with highly interesting media capabilities for the trade of goods with enhanced features.
Oh, poor Anatel. They don't even control TV boxes. What's going to stop you from receiving a direct signal on your cell phone when the network is unavailable? No one! It's like Moraes preventing VPNs.