Ukraine's Starlink woes spur Europe to look for non-Musk alternatives
Summary
Restrictions on Ukraine’s Starlink service temporarily disrupted drone use and renewed concern in Europe and the U.S. about relying on one company for battlefield communications. European firms are promoting alternatives, including a Finnish partnership with Ukraine that expects to launch its first satellites in 2028.Key Facts
- SpaceX operates Starlink, which has more than 11,000 satellites, according to American Enterprise Institute data.
- Eutelsat’s OneWeb network has more than 600 satellites.
- Starlink said this summer that it had 12 million customers across more than 160 countries and territories.
- Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia agreed with Ukraine’s defense ministry to explore sovereign satellite communications.
- An ICEYE spokesperson said the partnership’s initial satellites are expected to launch in 2028.
- Elon Musk said on Oct. 24 that Ukraine had violated Starlink’s terms of service by using the system for offensive drone strikes, and that a loophole had been closed.
- Eutelsat CEO Jean-François Fallacher said the company’s service is available in Ukraine and can be used for drones.
- President Donald Trump denied reports that the White House was involved in the Starlink restrictions.
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