Eutelsat in Talks to Replace Starlink in Ukraine
French satellite company Eutelsat Communications is discussing a possible deal with the European Union to replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in Ukraine. This was reported by Bloomberg on March 6.
Eutelsat already operates in Ukraine, but they need time to supply thousands of terminals. They have around 40,000 units ready to be delivered. The company is working with suppliers to provide both standard and military-grade terminals.
The concerns about Starlink came after the US paused its military aid to Ukraine on March 3. Some US officials suggested restricting Ukraine’s access to Starlink. Elon Musk denied any intention to cut off Ukraine’s service, but the possibility of a disruption exists.
Eutelsat’s proposal combines two types of satellites: low Earth orbit ones that are around 746 miles above the surface and geostationary ones at 21,748 miles high. This dual-constellation approach could provide essential connectivity for Ukraine’s military.
OneWeb already provides services to Ukraine through a German distributor. If Eutelsat takes over, European governments will need to approve their plans. The European Commission is looking into ways to help Ukraine secure satellite communications in case Starlink access is restricted.
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