SpaceSail gains Anatel approval to operate in Brazil

SpaceSail, a Chinese satellite internet company, has received authorization from the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to operate in Brazil. The company plans to begin offering services in the fourth quarter of 2026.

SpaceSail will directly compete with Starlink, the current market leader in Brazil, and other providers like HughesNet and SES. The Chinese firm currently has about 108 satellites in orbit and aims to increase this number to over 600 satellites by the end of 2026. The initial authorization allows SpaceSail to launch up to 324 satellites, with an expansion plan for 15,000 satellites by 2030.

SpaceSail's satellites are in low orbit, located less than 2,000 km from the Earth's surface, which may affect service quality and speed. Anatel's authorization is valid until July 2031, and the company has already signed an agreement with Telebras to provide signal in Brazil starting in 2024.

SpaceSail aims to offer services to various user categories, including residential, corporate, and governmental. The success of the operation will depend on the satellite launches and supporting infrastructure in the country.

With operations set to begin in 2026, SpaceSail's entry into the Brazilian market could impact competition and the quality of satellite internet services available in the country.