The introduction of low-orbit satellite-based broadband connectivity to the Amazon region has ushered in a complex phenomenon.

There is a transformative factor spreading throughout the Amazon region. It is the arrival of broadband internet connectivity brought by low-orbit satellites. At the forefront of this expansion is Starlink, spearheaded by Elon Musk. Interestingly, the Brazilian and international media have predominantly focused on the challenges associated with this connectivity, particularly its illegal use in mining operations.

However, during my visit to the region while documenting the 7th season of “Expresso Futuro,” I found out that the impact extends far beyond these issues. This innovative technology is now being utilized in remote areas by communities and indigenous groups, including educational institutions. Local communication initiatives, once reliant on radio, are transitioning to the Internet. Juliana Albuquerque, a member of the Baré community involved in the Wayuri communication network, shared this development with me. Remarkably, the web’s influence has even reached the waterways. For instance, the journey from Manaus to São Gabriel da Cachoeira, a route that used to take around 24 hours, can now be completed on boats equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi via the Starlink service.

The rapid expansion of this connectivity has spurred local leaders to contemplate its cultural impact, especially in relation to children. Concerns have arisen regarding the potential disconnect between young generations and their traditional way of life due to the advent of technology. This debate is undeniably significant because the choices made by indigenous communities concerning internet usage can serve as valuable lessons for us all. However, the drive to connect the Amazon region to the global network is not a recent endeavor. Numerous initiatives have been previously established for this purpose. Satellite connectivity has existed for some time, following the implementation of the Gesac project, albeit at relatively low speeds. Additionally, the Brazilian army has undertaken the Amazônia Conectada project, which involves 1,900 kilometers of subfluvial fiber optic cables linking Manaus to nine municipalities. Bringing the Amazon region into the digital age represents a long-sought goal for regional development. It holds the potential to create new opportunities, nurture the knowledge economy (locally and globally), and enhance educational projects. Previously, strategic data regarding the Amazon region was exclusively under the control of Brazil.

For the first time, private satellite operators will possess more detailed data about the region than the country itself. Another pertinent issue pertains to compliance with local regulations. In Brazil, not only is the Lei de Proteção de Dados in place but also the Brazilian Civil Rights Framework for the Internet, which prohibits service providers from “monitoring or analyzing the content” of transmitted data. In other words, the introduction of low-orbit satellite connectivity in the Amazon represents a multifaceted phenomenon, the full implications of which are only beginning to emerge.

What’s out – A disconnected Amazon.

What’s in – Connecting the Amazon through Gesac, fiber optics and other local initiatives.

What’s next – Connecting the Amazon through low-orbit satellites operated by global private companies.