Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/07/eutelsat_starlink_ukraine/
Source: The Register
Title: Eutelsat in talks with Euro leaders as they mull Starlink replacement in Ukraine
Feedly Summary: Increasingly shaky relationship with the States has Europe considering options
Talks are underway between European leaders and Eutelsat about a possible replacement for Starlink in Ukraine.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses ongoing discussions between European leaders and Eutelsat for a potential replacement of Starlink’s satellite connectivity in Ukraine amid geopolitical tensions. This shift highlights the importance of reliable communication infrastructure in critical situations, raising both security and operational considerations for stakeholders in cloud and infrastructure services.
Detailed Description:
– The text centers on the strategic discussions between European leaders and Eutelsat concerning a shift away from reliance on Starlink for satellite broadband services in Ukraine.
– Starlink, a service provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has played a crucial role in maintaining communication for military units during the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, reliance on a U.S. company has drawn scrutiny due to geopolitical concerns.
– European leaders are actively seeking to replace or supplement Starlink, specifically with services provided by Eutelsat, particularly considering:
– The pause in U.S. intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and its implications on military operations.
– Eutelsat’s performance in satellite connectivity, which has reportedly met or exceeded Starlink’s capabilities in coverage and latency for European operations.
– The need for resilient communication infrastructure amid rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes.
– Eutelsat, which recently merged with OneWeb, can offer a different technological approach.
– While Starlink utilizes thousands of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Eutelsat operates with fewer satellites in higher orbits but has been steadily progressing in capabilities, now actively engaged in Ukraine communications.
– The text highlights the logistical challenges of implementing Eutelsat as a replacement, particularly:
– The significant cost difference between OneWeb terminals (around $10,000) compared to Starlink units (approximately $600).
– The logistical challenge of deploying and scaling thousands of terminals to match Starlink’s existing installation base in Ukraine (around 40,000 Starlink terminals).
– Eutelsat has around 2,000 terminals in Ukraine currently but acknowledges the need and planning for rapid expansion in instances where dependence on U.S. technology must be reduced.
– The emphasis on collaboration with European institutions and partners reinforces a trend toward localized, secure communications infrastructure.
Key Insights for Professionals:
– The potential shift from Starlink to Eutelsat in Ukraine exemplifies the intersection of technology, security, and infrastructure, particularly in crisis situations.
– Security professionals should consider the implications of relying on foreign technologies in critical operations, including vulnerabilities that may arise from geopolitical dynamics.
– Businesses within the infrastructure sector need to adopt a flexible approach in partnerships and deployments to respond to rapidly changing conditions and security requirements.
This scenario illustrates the cross-section of technology, security, and policy in today’s interconnected world, presenting a unique case study for professionals focused on infrastructure security and operational resilience.