“Alternative Starlink. The EU negotiates with four large satellite operators – FT March 8, 19:41 Share: Starlink terminals on the front line (photo: Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo) Europe is looking for an alternative to the Satellite Network of Starlink Ilona intelligence. There are currently negotiations with four satellite operators, Financial Times writes. It is noted that the question is SES”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
Starlink terminals on the front line (photo: Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo)
Europe is looking for an alternative to Starlink satellite network Ilon Mask for Ukraine after the United States has suspended military assistance and exchange of intelligence. There are currently negotiations with four satellite operators, Financial Times writes.
It is noted that the question is SES (Luxembourg), hisDesat (Spain), Viasat (Inmarsat owner) and Eutelsat/OneWeb (France).
Replacing Starlink, however, remains a difficult task. According to Viceremer-Minister of Ukraine Mikhail Fedorov, more than 40 thousand terminals are used in the Armed Forces, hospitals, enterprises and humanitarian organizations.
HISDESAT CEO Miguel Angel Garcia Primo said that European officials were already in contact with his company. He noted that the initiative to replace Starlink was discussed after the altercation between the US and Ukraine presidents in the oval office. Garcia Primo also noted that to deploy the same number of terminals as Starlink will be “It is very difficult if possible because they have accumulated for years. “
Adele Al-Saleh, executive director of SES, has confirmed that the company is already providing services in Ukraine and participating in negotiations to increase capacity. He also noted that the events of the last weeks have accelerated these negotiations.
FT adds that in the short term, European satellite services can be a backup option for government and medical communications. However, the signal speed in Starlink remains higher than in others, as competitors use fewer satellites. However, the difference can only be a fraction of a second and can only be a problem in certain cases.
The publication emphasizes that European legislators have also increased pressure on the European Commission to accelerate satellite efforts, in particular through the Govsatcom initiative, which should work no earlier than 2026.
On March 6, the French satellite operator Eutelsat said it could put 40,000 terminals to Ukraine.
On March 5, Polish digital technology minister Krzysztof Gavkovsky warned that if American billionaire Ilon Musk decides to disconnect access to Starlink for Ukraine, it will provoke a “major international crisis”.
Situation of Ukraine access to Starlink – what is known
On February 22, Reuters, citing three knowledgeable sources, wrote that US negotiations were considering the disconnection of Ukraine from the Starlink system if Kiev does not agree to Washington’s terms in the Mineral Access.
Starlink questions were raised at a meeting between US President Special Representative Kellog and President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.
On the same day billionaire and head of the US Government Efficiency Department (Doge) Ilon Musk denied Reuters message about allegedly intention to disable Ukraine Starlink if Kiev does not agree to Washington.
On February 23, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov reported that the alternatives of Starlink are already existing, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Strategy, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces.
On February 24, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he was not hinted at the opportunity to disconnect the Starlink satellite Internet system in Ukraine, but Ukraine is preparing for the possibility of such development.
On February 25, Starlink denied rumors about the termination of Ukraine’s access to the satellite communication system of the same name.
“Starlink is fully dedicated to the provision of services in Ukraine. Any rumors about the reverse are categorical, ”the company said.