Elon Musk’s Starlink Cleared to Offer Satellite Internet Access via Cell Phones in Brazil

Introduction

Rumors have been swirling that Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, has received regulatory approval in Brazil to provide satellite internet access directly to cell phones. If true, this would mark a major leap forward in connectivity for remote and underserved areas of Brazil. In this post, we separate fact from fiction, examine what is known so far, and explore how this development could change internet access in Brazil.

Basic Information

What We Do Know

• Expanded License for Starlink: Anatel has approved Starlink’s request to operate with 7,500 additional satellites in Brazil, along with expanded spectrum rights. This more than doubles the previous authorization. Global Validity+1

• “Direct-to-Cell” Not Live Yet: According to official statements, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell or Direct-to-Device services—i.e., offering internet directly via cellular phones without terrestrial towers—are not yet authorized in Brazil. CPG Click Petróleo e Gás

• Regulatory Sandbox & Future Potential: Anatel has been exploring regulatory sandbox arrangements. These are setups where experimental or new technologies can be tested under regulatory supervision before full authorization. Direct-to-Cell might be explored in such a framework. CPG Click Petróleo e Gás

Why the Rumors Exist

• In countries like the U.S., Starlink has begun partnerships with mobile carriers (e.g., T-Mobile) to enable “satellite fallback” or emergency texting via satellite, which leads people to assume that this is also happening elsewhere.

• Brazil’s expansion of permissions for satellites and frequency has fueled speculation about more advanced services becoming possible. But speculating ≠ confirmation.

What Needs to Happen Before It’s Real

1. Anatel Authorization: Formal permission for Starlink to use the needed frequency bands specifically for cell phone services.

2. Mobile Operator Partnerships: Local telecom carriers would likely need to partner with Starlink to integrate satellite service into existing cellular frameworks.

3. Device Compatibility: Phones compatible with Direct-to-Cell (special chipsets, firmware) must be certified for use in Brazil.

4. Regulatory / Legal Considerations: Spectrum allocation, digital sovereignty, data/privacy laws, and emergency communication regulations must be addressed.

What It Would Mean If It Does Happen

• Improved Coverage in remote, rural, Amazonian, or underserved regions where terrestrial cellular network infrastructure is sparse.

• Better Emergency Communications, especially in areas hit by natural disasters or where conventional infrastructure may fail.

• Reduced Dependence on Traditional Infrastructure, lowering costs and increasing resilience.

• However, costs, device limitations, weather/sky-visibility requirements, and regulatory overhead could pose constraints.

Our Conclusion

As of now, despite the exciting possibility, Starlink is not cleared yet to offer internet access via cell phones in Brazil. The license has been expanded, but the specific authorization for direct service to smartphones remains unapproved. When/if that changes, it will be a transformative event for connectivity—but for now, the news remains speculative and forward-looking.

What to Watch For

• Official statements from Anatel about Direct-to-Cell authorization

• Announcements from Starlink / SpaceX about partnerships in Brazil

• Device manufacturers releasing lists of compatible devices for satellite cell service

• Updates in Brazilian telecom regulation regarding spectrum use and emergency services