Starlink Faces UK Backlash as Elon Musk’s Politics Spark Controversy

Starlink satellite services in the UK and the EU are currently under fire as users vent their frustration over Elon Musk’s recent political endeavours. Since Musk’s appointment to the Donald Trump administration, some Starlink users in the UK seem to be growing cold feet.

Elon Musk’s Starlink In The UK Might Be On The Verge Of Declining

Over the past few months, Elon Musk has become a centre of various scandals, including his controversial salute during the inauguration ceremony for President Donald Trump, threatening to cut Ukraine off from Starlink, offending Canadian former prime minister Trudeau and a Polish minister.

These issues are tainting Starlink’s brand reputation in the UK, a market which it currently dominates. Some citizens of the UK are now considering ditching Starlink in search of satellite internet connection services from rival brands.

While the EU is working on a Starlink competitor, there seems to be no solid options to replace Starlink for UK users.

Some, however, seem to be standing strong on the Starlink side as they either can find a worthy replacement or are die-hard Musk fans. This dissatisfaction among Starlink users might just create room for an internet service provider operating in the UK to launch their satellite service, hence rivalling Elon Musk’s business.

Starlink Satellite Services European Rivals

The EU is already working to replace Starlink in regions like Ukraine, where satellite internet services are greatly needed. With funding from the government, Eutelsat hopes to replace Starlink in Ukraine in a couple of months.

Viasat is another Starlink rival that is hoping to sweep up its customers after launching its satellite internet-providing service. With firms preparing to launch or already expanding their satellite constellation, Elon Musk’s satellite business in the EU and the UK might suffer a loss.

Eutelsat’s satellite expansion will bring satellite internet to the UK since its firm OneWeb operates in the region. The same can be said of Viasat, who owns UK network service provider Inmarsat.

How will Starlink respond to their customers complaining about Elon Musk’s recent roles in government? Will the firm rest its trust on its 87,000-strong UK users and ignore the complaints of others?