Brazilian loggers take over retired UHF MilSat

In the heart of the Amazon, amidst the dense foliage and the symphony of nature's whispers, a silent revolution unfolds one that transcends borders, defies regulations, and challenges the very essence of communication.

At the centre of this enigma lies the tale of the South American satellite pirates, a clandestine network of individuals who have ingeniously tapped into retired UHF MilSat bands to extend their radio range deep into the heart of the rainforest.

Brazilian loggers have employed 2m radios modified with frequency doublers and directional antennas, turning the once-secret communication channels of the U.S. Navy Satcom uplink frequencies (280-310MHz) into conduits for their own purposes.

Dubbed "Bolinha" or "little ball" by its users, the FLTSATCOM geo-sync satellites, once a pinnacle of military communication prowess, now find themselves unwitting accomplices in this subversive endeavour.

What began as a means for Brazilian loggers to enhance their radio range has evolved into a phenomenon that spans the breadth of Brazilian society. Truck drivers, seeking superior communication capabilities in remote regions beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure, flock to these satellites. Rogue loggers, wary of authorities encroaching on their illicit activities, deploy them as covert communication channels to evade detection. Drug dealers, organized crime factions, and ordinary citizens alike have found utility in this illicit network, transforming it into an integral part of the Brazilian communication landscape.