Brazil has forged a partnership with China’s SpaceSail to expand satellite internet services, potentially disrupting Elon Musk‘s Starlink dominance in the region.
SpaceSail and Brazil’s state telecommunications firm Telebras signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver broadband services through a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The collaboration aims to bolster internet availability in remote areas where traditional fiber optics are impractical.
“Our memorandum is not just a partnership but a shared commitment to empowering underserved regions,” said SpaceSail CEO Jason Jie Zheng in a speech after the signing, reported by Fortune. The initiative is expected to roll out in 2026, with SpaceSail establishing a local subsidiary by the end of this year.
Currently, Starlink makes up 46 percent of Brazil’s satellite internet market, and the country wants to reduce its reliance on Musk’s venture, according to the South China Morning Post.