Eutelsat vs. Starlink: Dispute over satellite internet for Ukraine

The contribution Eutelsat vs. Starlink: Dispute over satellite internet for the Ukraine of Beatrice Bode first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.

Eutelsat Starlink, Musk, Ukraine, Russia, satellites, SpaceX, EU Commission, European Union, EU, War, Poland, News, News, Communication

According to the threats of Elon Musk, the EU Commission of Ukraine wants to help secure satellite communication. In a few months, the European company Eutelsat wants to be able to replace Starlink. The background.

Disacilities between the United States and Ukraine are becoming increasingly clear: a few days ago the US technology group Maxar stopped access Ukraine to his satellite images. After a meeting with the Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj in the White House, the US government also exposed the provision of intelligence information.

Starlink boss Elon Musk took this as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of his satellite system for the Ukrainian troops in the fight against Russia. If he turned it off, the entire front breaks [der Ukraine] Together, announced Musk on his platform X (formerly Twitter).

Eutelsat vs. Starlink: EU Commission offers help

However, the EU Commission does not want to allow this. It wants to help Ukraine to secure capacities for satellite communication. In order to implement this project, the French-British satellite operator Eutelsat stepped on the scene.

In an interview with the news agency Bloomberg CEO Eva Berneke explained that the talks with the EU intensify about the replacement of Starlink in Ukraine. The company is already represented in Ukraine and currently has thousands of terminals there. However, not everyone is connected to the network, said Bernke.

Talks with suppliers are currently being held to provide both military and standard terminals. However, the Eutelsat boss emphasizes that it takes a few more months to deliver 40,000 terminals. That is about the number of current Starlink terminals in Ukraine.

See also  I wanted to buy an electric car - now I drive a combustion engine

Starlink as an indispensable service in the war against Russia

Starlink has become an indispensable service for the Ukrainian military in the war with Russia after a large part of the country’s communication infrastructure was paralyzed. Due to the continuing arguments between Washington and Kyiv, there is a risk that the cooperation will be interrupted.

EU Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said that the Commission acknowledges the strategic importance of “sovereign, safe and robust European satellite conference”. However, the changeover has some challenges.

For example, the Eutelsat terminals are not as cheap and mobile as the Starlink satellites. For comparison: Musks satellites are better positioned with regard to a quick connection and are therefore also better suited for communication. In order to be able to replace Starlink by Eutelsat, the European operator needs financial and logistical support.

Starlink: Poland opposes US providers

The necessary financial help could come from Poland. The Polish government recently said that it was ready to look for alternatives to Elon Musk’s Starlink network to supply Ukraine with satellite internet. In response to Musk X-Post, the Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski emphasized that the Polish Digitization Ministry was one of Starlink’s largest providers for Ukraine.

Warsaw finances half of the Starlink terminals that are operated in the country. You want to look for another provider if the US company proves to be an unreliable provider. Both Musk and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to invalidate the statement on X.

In other countries, Starlink has already lost orders due to the current discussions. The Canadian state of Ontario has terminated the contract. The Mexican telecommunications company América Móvil has also ended the collaboration. A 1.5 billion euro deal between Starlink and the Italian government also seems to be crumbling.

Also interesting:

  • Despite the war, Ukraine puts new wind turbines into operation
  • BSI report: Ukraine war threatens cyber security in Germany
  • Tesla drivers camouflage their cars to distance themselves from Elon Musk
  • Musk offer published to Openai-these are the details
See also  UPDF: All-in-One AI PDF solution for every platform – The smart choice instead of Adobe Acrobat

The contribution Eutelsat vs. Starlink: Dispute over satellite internet for the Ukraine of Beatrice Bode first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.


As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the dispute between Eutelsat and Starlink over satellite internet for Ukraine highlights the increasing competition in the satellite internet market. Both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses, with Eutelsat having a more established presence in the market and Starlink offering a more advanced and high-speed internet service.

In this particular case, it is crucial for both companies to prioritize the needs of the people in Ukraine who are in need of reliable internet access. The ongoing conflict in the region has made it difficult for traditional internet infrastructure to be maintained, making satellite internet a critical lifeline for communication and information.

It is important for both Eutelsat and Starlink to find a resolution to their dispute and work together to provide the necessary internet services to the people of Ukraine. Collaboration and cooperation between companies in the tech industry are essential in times of crisis, and it is imperative that both companies set aside their differences for the greater good of those in need.

Ultimately, the focus should be on providing reliable and accessible internet services to those who need it most, and I hope that Eutelsat and Starlink can come to a mutually beneficial agreement to ensure that the people of Ukraine have the internet access they require.

Credits