Anatel Opens Spectrum for Satellites to Connect Cellphones Directly in Brazil

Direct connections between satellites and cellphones have taken a major step forward in Brazil. The technology needs no external antenna, special SIM or dedicated device. In July 2026, Anatel approved frequency bands for direct-to-cell, also called direct-to-device. In this system, satellites act as cell towers in space. Field trials run through October. Meanwhile, Vivo, Claro and TIM are negotiating partnerships with satellite firms. However, a commercial launch is not expected before 2027.

How connections between satellites and cellphones work

With direct-to-cell technology, an ordinary phone connects to a satellite hundreds of kilometers above Earth. It therefore needs no extra equipment. Anatel authorized bands that mobile networks already use, including 700 MHz, 850 MHz and 900 MHz. As a result, phones already in use can receive a signal from space. The aim is not to replace ground-based networks. Instead, cell towers retain priority, while satellites fill gaps in carrier coverage.

Initially, services should focus on text messages, location sharing and emergency alerts. Voice calls and broadband access will follow at later stages. Moreover, those features depend on advances in both technology and regulation.

Vivo, Claro, and TIM compete for a share of the sky

Under Anatel’s rules, satellite firms cannot operate alone in Brazil. They must partner with a mobile carrier licensed in the country. SpaceX’s Starlink is among the most advanced candidates. For example, it already operates the service with T-Mobile in the United States. Brazil is also its second-largest satellite internet market. The company has more than one million fixed broadband subscribers in the country.

Vivo is further ahead on this front. Anatel authorized trials with Starlink from July 19 to October 22, 2026. These tests use specific frequencies and up to 50 mobile terminals. Meanwhile, Claro and TIM are negotiating with SpaceX and other low-Earth-orbit satellite operators. Claro previously tested the model with Lynk in remote parts of Maranhão in 2025. That experience helped shape the agency’s current rules.

When it reaches consumers — and what it will cost

After approving the frequency bands, Anatel gave its technical team up to 90 days to detail the service rules. However, a commercial offering still requires tests, device certification and agreements between companies. Apple, Motorola and Samsung models are expected to be among the first compatible phones. For these reasons, Anatel does not expect a commercial launch before 2027.

Carriers have not yet set prices in Brazil. In the United States, T-Mobile offers Starlink connectivity for about US$10 a month or within higher-priced plans. This model could therefore serve as a reference for Brazilian carriers. Initially, basic features such as emergency SMS may form part of existing plans. Later, companies could charge separately for premium services.

The main target is areas with no mobile coverage. These include rural communities, border regions, highways and forests, as well as farms and mines. For people living or working there, the promise is fewer signal gaps. For now, however, the focus remains on basic messaging and emergency functions. Consumers should therefore follow the trials through October. The results will help assess connections between satellites and cellphones before commercial services reach the market.

Sources: Anatel’s direct-to-device testing framework; Rio Times; Exame; Mundo Conectado.

For more reporting from Brazil, visit OnTheNet in English.