Satellite internet could welcome a new competitor in Brazil starting from 2026, as China enters the market via SpaceSail. The Chinese low-orbit satellite constellation filed an application with Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) in November 2025 to operate in the country, aiming to serve residential, corporate and government users, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) market.

The Chinese company, operated by Shanghai SpaceSail and known domestically as Qianfan, submitted a request to Anatel for the right to operate a fleet of 648 satellites. Its goal is to establish a long-term operation, initially applying for a 15-year licence period. The application has recently been forwarded to the board of Brazil’s regulatory agency, with council member Octávio Pieranti appointed as the case’s rapporteur.

However, the approval may come with significant restrictions relative to the original application. Anatel’s technical department has proposed limiting the operating rights to just 324 satellites, with the validity period shortened to mid-2031 — a total of a little over five years.

(Source: Minha Operadora, on 7 January)