Vivo partners with Starlink to launch satellite connectivity in Brazil

Vivo has announced a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to offer satellite-to-smartphone connectivity in Brazil. The new service, named Vivo Satélite, utilizes direct-to-device (D2D) technology to provide messaging, map access, and voice calls via apps in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage.

The service is initially available to 50 million subscribers, including both individual consumers and corporate clients. Vivo stated that the Starlink Mobile technology acts as an extension of its existing terrestrial network, which currently reaches 98% of the Brazilian population. This expansion is expected to benefit sectors reliant on remote communication, such as agribusiness, logistics, and road transport.

This move intensifies competition in the Brazilian telecommunications market. Recently, regional operators Brisanet, Unifique, and Iez! Telecom entered a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile, a competitor to Starlink, to develop similar direct-to-cell connections.