Brazil's Anatel reviews Starlink spectrum transfer and opens IoT market consultation

Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel is assessing SpaceX's request to acquire EchoStar's S‑band satellite spectrum for its Starlink service. The agency must decide whether to maintain EchoStar's existing priority status after the transfer, a situation Anatel describes as unprecedented. Approval could expand Starlink’s broadband, direct‑to‑device satellite connectivity and corporate applications in remote areas.

Separately, Anatel will launch a public subsidy consultation on the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine‑to‑machine (M2M) markets. Companies, academics, public bodies and consumers can submit comments until 23:59 UTC on 30 July. The agency seeks input on competition, investment needs, technical challenges and contractual barriers to accelerate IoT and M2M deployment across Brazil.