Brazil Approves Starlink Expansion with Regulatory Cautions Amidst Growing Satellite Internet Competition

The Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) authorized Starlink on Tuesday, August 8th, to add 7,500 satellites to its operations in Brazil and expand its available frequency bands. The authorization is valid until 2027. This decision was accompanied by a regulatory alert highlighting ongoing updates to the current regulatory framework. The agency identified potential risks in areas such as sector competition, space sustainability, and the country's digital sovereignty, which are not currently covered by existing legislation. While Starlink is currently the leading satellite internet operator, the sector is expected to become more competitive. Amazon is scheduled to launch its initial Project Kuiper satellites, with plans for a network exceeding 3,200 satellites. Additionally, Brazil has an agreement with China-based SpaceSail, which aims to launch up to 15,000 satellites by 2030.