Iridium and Globalstar expand satellite Internet amid Brazil’s search for Starlink alternatives

Iridium Communications and Globalstar are promoting investment in niche satellite‑communication services as the broader market focuses on large constellations. Both operators own licensed spectrum and defense contracts; Iridium posted a 200 % share price gain this year and highlighted growth in government engineering and support, while Globalstar, in the midst of a merger with Amazon, reported a 17 % revenue rise in Q1 2026.

In Brazil, the demand for satellite broadband is increasing as remote regions seek connectivity beyond terrestrial fiber. Apart from SpaceX’s Starlink, traditional providers such as HughesNet and Viasat are competing by offering geo‑stationary and low‑Earth‑orbit solutions tailored to agriculture, remote education and digital inclusion. The market is driven by government programs and the need for reliable internet in the Amazon and other sparsely populated areas.