Claro tests direct connection between satellite and cell phone in pilot with Anatel

By Claro

This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system

São Paulo, March 17, 2025 - Claro successfully completed the first tests of direct connection between satellites and smartphones, through an innovative initiative by Anatel that enables partnerships between mobile operators and satellite operators, with the aim of expanding connectivity throughout the country, especially in areas without coverage.

Direct communication tests between Lynk Global satellites and conventional smartphones use Claro's 850 MHz band and six Lynk low-orbit non-geostationary satellites, called Lynk Tower . This was made possible with the creation of an Experimental Regulatory Environment ( sandbox ), approved in early 2024 by Anatel's Board of Directors, led by Councilor Alexandre Freire, for the temporary use of radio frequencies for satellite systems in direct-to-device (D2D) applications.

The tests were conducted in the city of São Luís do Maranhão, at Ponta do Espigão da Ponta d'Areia and at Mirante da Lagoa da Jansen. With the participation of Anatel, and using smartphones found on the market (Moto G4 Plus, Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13), without software or hardware changes, voice calls and SMS exchanges were made between the devices. The first voice call of the test lasted 30 seconds, which means a lot for the connected future. The initial possibility of making emergency calls and the evolution of sharing a photo or video anywhere in the country will bring many benefits to the population, especially in remote areas.

The Sandbox provides the basis for establishing the definitive regulatory environment, which encompasses the models and rules to be observed by the market in the future. In the coming years, the Agency must address not only technical but also strategic challenges related to this topic, such as ensuring cybersecurity and network security, national sovereignty and sustainability of the telecommunications ecosystem. This model is a practice that has been adopted in several countries around the world and is also the subject of study by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), a UN agency.

Claro continues to closely monitor the evolution of these systems. In addition, it is close to the Agency for discussions on the necessary regulatory frameworks.

About Claro

Claro is the largest telecommunications group in Latin America and one of the largest multi-service operators in Brazil, present in all regions of the country. It is present in more than 4,800 Brazilian municipalities and its networks provide services to approximately 98% of the population. Claro was recently chosen as the most innovative telecommunications company in Brazil by the 10th edition of the Valor Inovação 2024 Award and was ranked as the 4th most valuable brand in Brazil in the Kantar BrandZ 2024 study. It was also the most valuable brand among telecommunications companies. Claro offers integrated solutions for connectivity, entertainment, productivity and digital services in a truly convergent way, across multiple fixed and mobile platforms. In 2019, the company created beOn Claro, its innovation hub, to facilitate, enhance and connect innovation inside and outside the company. Claro is a leader in pay TV, broadband and the fastest growing operator in mobile services. Through Embratel, it also leads the corporate services segment, which includes cloud, telecom, IT, and network and application security offerings. The operator also has Claro 5G+ available in regions of all states and the Federal District. And, according to measurements carried out by Speedtest®, Claro has the fastest internet in Brazil on 5G and Wi-Fi. The Claro 5G+ network is the fastest in Brazil and South America and offers the lowest latency, the best 5G gaming experience, and the best video streaming experience on Brazil's 5G network. Claro is part of América Móvil, with a presence in 25 countries in Latin America and also in Europe and the United States.