Yazılar

Could Eutelsat Replace Starlink for Ukraine’s Satellite Internet Needs?

/in /tarafından

As speculation grows about Ukraine potentially losing access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, a critical tool for military communications during the ongoing war with Russia, attention has turned to Eutelsat, a European satellite provider, as a potential alternative. The Franco-British company, which recently merged with Britain’s OneWeb, has reportedly been in talks with the European Union to provide additional services to Ukraine. This follows concerns over the U.S. possibly using Starlink access as leverage in diplomatic discussions with Kyiv regarding critical minerals.

Here’s a breakdown of how Eutelsat could step in to support Ukraine’s communication needs.

How Crucial is Starlink to Ukraine?

Starlink’s satellite internet system has become indispensable for Ukraine, especially after its fixed-line and mobile networks were severely damaged by Russian bombings since the invasion began in February 2022. The system allows users to access the internet via a small satellite dish that connects to a constellation of satellites orbiting overhead.

While Starlink’s internet services are also available to civilians, the primary users are Ukraine’s military forces, which rely heavily on Starlink for communication amid constant jamming and interception of signals. The system is vital for battlefield command and control, and Ukraine has also used Starlink to guide attack drones, though SpaceX restricted this use two years ago. Initially funded by SpaceX, the U.S. government later took over the provision of Starlink to Ukraine. Recently, Poland confirmed it had been covering Ukraine’s subscription fees and would continue to do so.

How Does Eutelsat Compare to Starlink?

Eutelsat has already been providing support for government and institutional communications in Ukraine and has stated it can offer alternatives for certain government and defense applications. The company controls a global satellite network after merging with OneWeb in 2023, making it one of the few firms, along with Starlink, to offer global coverage via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

While Eutelsat’s fleet consists of around 630 LEO satellites, compared to Starlink’s more than 7,000, it still offers the same capabilities within Europe, according to the company. Eutelsat provides speeds of up to 150 Mbps, slightly lower than Starlink’s promise of 200 Mbps. However, Eutelsat’s OneWeb terminals are significantly more expensive, with costs up to $10,000 per terminal plus monthly subscriptions. In contrast, Starlink charges Ukrainian users a one-time payment of $589 for the terminal, with monthly fees ranging from $95 to $440, depending on usage.

Despite this, the question remains whether any donor countries or organizations would be willing to fund the high cost of OneWeb subscriptions for Ukraine. France and the UK, which hold a combined 24.8% stake in Eutelsat, are actively involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding a peace deal with the U.S.

Are There Any Other Alternatives?

While global competition for Starlink is growing, it remains limited. Luxembourg-based SES provides satellite services to NATO defense forces through its medium Earth orbit O3b mPOWER constellation, but it focuses primarily on corporate customers and governments. SES’s services are not consumer-friendly and do not cater directly to end-users.

Additionally, some European initiatives like IRIS² and GOVSATCOM, which Ukraine is interested in, may take years before they are fully operational, leaving a gap in immediate satellite communication support for the country.

Eutelsat Launches First Satellites After Merger Using SpaceX Rocket

/in /tarafından

Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, successfully launched 20 satellites on Sunday using Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base marked the company’s first major satellite deployment since the merger of Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb in September last year.

Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke expressed optimism about the launch, highlighting the company’s plan to continue deploying satellites in the coming years. The Paris-based company now operates a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites, catering to broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations.

“We aim to integrate more closely into the telecommunications ecosystem,” Berneke said, noting that while satellites remain a niche in the broader connectivity landscape, they play an essential role. Telecom operators, including France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra, are among Eutelsat’s clients, with discussions ongoing with U.S. operators such as AT&T.

Eutelsat has a $4 billion backlog of orders, with expectations to expand services in markets like India and Saudi Arabia. India, a rapidly growing market expected to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is in the process of opening up to satellite services, though it faces regulatory challenges with domestic players like Starlink. Berneke stated that Eutelsat is ready to act once India allows satellite services, with plans for immediate expansion.

Additionally, Eutelsat is exploring opportunities to provide in-flight connectivity for aviation companies, offering services like internet browsing. The company expects its revenue to grow starting next year as these projects come to fruition.