Brazil promotes satellite infrastructure for digital sovereignty

Brazil's Minister of Communications, Frederico de Siqueira Filho, has identified satellite technology as a strategic pillar for national connectivity and digital sovereignty. Speaking at the 25th Latin American Satellite Congress in Rio de Janeiro, the minister emphasized that Brazil's continental dimensions require a multi-layered infrastructure combining satellites, fiber optics, and mobile networks to reach underserved regions.

A key component of this strategy is the development of the SGDC-2, the next generation of the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications Satellite. This project is part of the Defense and Communications Satellite System (SSDC), with Telebras playing a central role in the infrastructure. While the minister noted that digital sovereignty does not mean isolation from global supply chains or foreign investment, he stressed the need for special protection for critical systems related to defense and strategic communications.

Regarding current connectivity efforts, the Ministry of Communications reported that the Norte Conectado program has reached approximately 3 million people in the North region. Additionally, the government has allocated over R$ 23 billion through the Novo PAC program for digital inclusion and connectivity initiatives.