Starlink gains Brazil mobile satellite approval, Copa Airlines inflight Wi‑Fi, and seeks 100k‑satellite Gen 3 network

Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel approved secondary use of several frequency bands for Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) satellite service, enabling Starlink to provide connectivity directly to smartphones without external antennas. The approval covers bands at 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.800 MHz, 1.900/2.100 MHz and 2.500 MHz and is expected to lead to commercial rollout after technical rules are defined, initially likely offered at no extra charge to customers of partner mobile operators.

Copa Airlines became the first Latin American airline to equip its fleet with Starlink high‑speed Wi‑Fi. The inaugural Starlink‑enabled flight took place on 4 July 2026, with a phased installation plan slated for completion by the first quarter of 2027. Premium cabin passengers, elite ConnectMiles members and users of Starlink Residential or Roam plans receive free access, while other travelers can purchase service onboard.

SpaceX has filed an application with the U.S. FCC for a next‑generation “Gen 3” Starlink constellation of up to 100 000 low‑orbit satellites. The system is designed to deliver multi‑gigabit broadband and to support billions of AI‑powered devices, seeking new spectrum (including W‑ and D‑bands) and lower orbital altitudes to provide ultra‑low latency and high uplink capacity. The proposal is under FCC review amid opposition from astronomers and environmental groups.