On April 8, 2025, Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) approved changes to Starlink’s satellite operation rights in the country. Decision 13531779 allows Starlink to expand its network by adding 7,500 new satellites and using additional frequency bands, while maintaining the original license validity through 2027. This expansion builds on the previous authorization from February 2022, which covered 4,408 satellites.
Regulatory Alert Signals Broader Concerns
Alongside the approval, Anatel issued a regulatory alert—a formal mechanism used to flag the need for future policy reassessment. This alert highlights gaps in the current regulatory framework, especially regarding competition, spatial sustainability, and digital sovereignty. These issues are becoming more pressing as new technologies like non-geostationary satellite systems reshape the telecom landscape.
What Is a Regulatory Alert?
A regulatory alert is a preventive decision-making tool that signals when current regulations may no longer be sufficient due to changes in the industry. Its purpose is to:
- Preserve legal certainty and trust
- Support competitiveness and market balance
- Promote sustainable development within the telecom sector
This technique has been used in previous Anatel decisions, including cases related to the review of cybersecurity regulations and legal challenges to existing norms.
What Is a Regulatory Alert?
Anatel’s use of the regulatory alert in this case underscores the growing complexity of satellite operations and the need for updated governance. While the expansion of Starlink was approved, the agency is clearly preparing for broader discussions on how Brazil’s telecom regulations must evolve to keep pace with rapid technological change.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Brazil
Certification Body: Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (ANATEL)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: 24/36 Months
Application Language: Portuguese
Legal License Holder: Local Representative
In-Country Testing Requirement: In-Country Testing
Access in-depth regulatory knowledge on over 200 countries and territories with Global Validity’s free proprietary product certification management software, Access Manager. Learn more about the platform here or fill our quick contact form!
Global Validity is your partner for global certification success
Want to learn more about regulatory compliance and how we can help? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!