SpaceX Starlink Revolutionizes Internet Connectivity in Brazil's Remote Amazon Delta Region

Sep 4, 2023

By Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo

The picturesque Brazil's Marajó river island, nestled in the heart of the Amazon Delta, has experienced a profound transformation in recent months thanks to SpaceX's Starlink Internet service. This island, known for its rich wildlife and rural fazendas (farms), has historically grappled with unreliable internet connections. However, since the arrival of Starlink, residents and businesses alike are witnessing a digital revolution.

Starlink Broadband, a part of Elon Musk's SpaceX conglomerate, boasts the most advanced broadband satellite system globally, specifically designed to guarantee quality internet coverage in remote and challenging terrains. This includes the expansive northern portion of the Amazon rainforest, which stretches across 40,000 square kilometers and is home to over 500,000 inhabitants who have long struggled with internet connectivity issues.

One of Starlink's key innovations is its ability to provide internet coverage even in motion, such as on boats navigating the intricate Amazonian rivers. This achievement is made possible by a constellation of compact-sized satellites orbiting the Earth, beaming high-speed, low-latency internet across the globe without the need for terrestrial infrastructure.

Marajo resident and municipal public servant, Léo Coelho, attests to the positive impact of Starlink on the local economy. "Starlink has revolutionized internet service here," Coelho told 'Oliberal' reporters in Portuguese. Numerous businesses, including gas stations, supermarkets, and clothing stores, have embraced the new internet, facilitating faster transactions via Pix, a popular digital payment method in Brazil.

Even Brazilian government services, like the city hall of Portel, have adopted Starlink, greatly enhancing services like issuing identity cards and other vital digital services. Previously hampered by poor internet connectivity, these essential services can now be carried out more efficiently.

Starlink's influence extends beyond business. In July, during the 1st Expedition of the Contour of the island of Pacajaí, athletes using kayaks and stand-up paddleboards stayed connected with family members in Belém through a support boat equipped with Starlink internet, even within the heart of the Amazon forest.

Another resident, Adonis Gantuss, who divides his time between working in Marajó and living in Belém, praises the newfound connectivity. He highlights that before Starlink, his rural activities suffered due to unreliable internet, making it difficult to download files or communicate with family. However, with Starlink, Gantuss can seamlessly manage both his rural work and commercial representation activities in Belém.

The regional secretary of the state government in Marajó, Jaime Barbosa, emphasizes that while traditional telephony and internet operators serve urban areas well, rural regions previously lacked adequate coverage. In municipalities like Anajás, SpaceX's Starlink has bridged this connectivity gap, even offering internet access on twelve-hour-long boat trips to remote areas, where communities once lived with little to no connectivity.

SpaceX's Starlink Broadband has brought a digital revolution to the remote Marajó river island, transforming businesses, public services, and personal connectivity for its inhabitants. The northern Amazon Delta region, with its unique challenges, is now experiencing the benefits of cutting-edge satellite technology, providing a glimpse into the future of connectivity for remote regions worldwide.

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Featured Images Source: Oliberal

About the Author

Evelyn Janeidy Arevalo

Evelyn J. Arevalo joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover news as a Space Journalist and SpaceX Starbase Texas Correspondent. Evelyn is specialized in rocketry and space exploration. The main topics she covers are SpaceX and NASA.

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