Ukraine’s Satellite Internet At Risk: The EU Is Preparing A Starlink Replacement

In a bid to reduce satellite connectivity reliance on international competition, the European Union is working on a Starlink replacement for Ukraine. This replacement will take over operations in the region whilst offering stable and secure satellite internet connections for end users.

Ukraine In Need Of Starlink Replacement In An Event Of the US Cutting Service To The Country

Recent reports claim that the United States is threatening to pull Starlink services out of Ukraine if the region fails to provide access to certain critical minerals. If this happens, some parts of the region might not be able to access the internet since certain land network equipment has been damaged in the war.

In order to prevent such from taking place, the European Union is now looking to provide Ukraine with a satellite internet connection. To do this, the European Union will need to provide Ukraine with services from one of Starlink’s competitors in Europe.

Currently, there are over 42,000 Starlink terminals in Ukraine providing connection to most of the region. Replacing this amount of terminals will be a daunting task, but by working with the right service provider, it is achievable.

Thomas Regnier says that the Ukrainian government is currently looking into how it can use the GovSatCom. This will serve as a stepping stone while awaiting IRIS², which will go operational by 2030.

Turning To Starlink, Competition For Satellite Connectivity In Ukraine

Both GovSatCom and IRIS² are products of the European Union, with the latter still being in its development stage. While both can be accessible to Ukraine as solid Starlink replacements, the European Union might also look to local satellite connection providers for solutions.

Some of the service providers that might be up for consideration are Eutelsat, Hispasat or SES satellites. These service providers are European and might be able to operate within Ukraine in the best interest of the European Union.
The commissioning of these firms to provide Ukraine with satellite connectivity will be a blow to Starlink’s business in the region. It is important that the European Union takes the request of French MEP Christophe Grudler and “assess all possible alternative satellite solutions that the EU could offer Ukraine.”