Hybrid Satellite-Cellular IoT Technology Revolutionizes Tracking Across 80% of Brazil

Since February 14, 2025, the Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) has authorized the certification of hybrid cellular-satellite IoT devices, marking a significant regulatory milestone. This change addresses the critical issue that 80% to 82% of Brazil’s territory lacks effective cellular coverage.

Technologies such as NB-IoT NTN, RedCap, and LTE Cat 1bis are now approved under Act No. 2,105 and the certification requirement effective from August 13, 2025, enables the commercial use of hybrid trackers in the Brazilian market. Companies like Sateliot, CPQD, Myriota, and BWS IoT have demonstrated that IoT devices can connect directly to low-earth orbit satellites without proprietary hardware, initially focusing on applications such as cattle tracking.

André Luiz Ota, CEO of Ikonn, highlighted that while the connectivity challenge is largely resolved by these technologies, the primary obstacle remains the software that efficiently processes asynchronous data from satellite sources. He cautioned that many existing platforms may generate false alerts or compromised predictive insights if not adequately adapted. Ota also noted the expected shift in billing models due to the cost structure of satellite data transmission, emphasizing the need for edge computing to optimize data flow.

This hybrid connectivity is poised to transform industries like agriculture by enabling real-time anomaly detection in remote areas. The standardization efforts by 3GPP are expected to reduce hardware costs further, shifting competitive advantage towards advanced software capabilities. With the convergence of favorable regulation, proven technical validation, and emerging hybrid IoT solutions, satellite connectivity is rapidly becoming an essential component for tracking fleets, livestock, and remote cargo monitoring across Brazil.