In response to growing concerns over the reliability of satellite internet services, Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, is in talks with European authorities to enhance satellite communications in Ukraine. This effort comes amid increasing reliance on satellite networks, particularly Starlink, which has been crucial to Ukraine’s military operations and civilian infrastructure.
Eutelsat’s Strategic Push
Eutelsat, which operates over 630 satellites in low-Earth orbit, confirmed to Euronews Next that it is actively working with European institutions and business partners to deploy more user terminals in Ukraine. These terminals are vital for supporting critical missions, including government and institutional communications, particularly as the country continues to battle ongoing geopolitical challenges.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke stated that the company plans to supply Ukraine with 40,000 terminals within the next few months, comprising both military-grade and standard units. The company aims to provide coverage comparable to Starlink’s, with a similar response time and capabilities.
Concerns Over Starlink’s Role
The discussions come at a time when Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is already deeply integrated into Ukraine’s communication systems. According to the Kyiv Independent, approximately 42,000 Starlink terminals are currently helping Ukrainian military forces, hospitals, businesses, and humanitarian organizations maintain connectivity in areas otherwise cut off from regular communication networks.
However, Starlink’s role has raised concerns, especially after media reports suggested that Musk might reconsider the service’s availability to Ukraine unless certain conditions were met. Musk has denied these allegations, including a claim that he threatened to cut off Starlink unless Ukraine signed a deal involving $500 billion in critical minerals with the United States.
Eutelsat’s Growing Role in Ukraine
To address potential risks and strengthen Ukraine’s satellite infrastructure, Eutelsat is also exploring the use of its 35 geostationary satellites. These satellites could provide added capacity and ensure greater resilience for Ukraine’s communications. With its robust satellite fleet and ongoing collaborations, Eutelsat is positioning itself as a key player in Ukraine’s satellite service landscape, potentially offering an alternative to Starlink’s dominance.
As European leaders reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense, Eutelsat’s efforts could significantly bolster the country’s satellite connectivity, providing a more diversified and secure communications framework as the conflict continues.
This collaboration between Eutelsat and European institutions underscores the growing importance of satellite technology in modern warfare and geopolitical stability.
Satelite-Image-by-dlsd-cgl-from-Pixabay
