Germany is stepping up its support for Ukraine by funding access to satellite internet through Eutelsat, a French company, as an alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink. This initiative, which has been in place for nearly a year, aims to enhance Ukraine's connectivity amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
According to Reuters, Eutelsat's CEO, Eva Berneke, revealed that the German government is financing the project, which currently operates fewer than 1,000 satellite sites in Ukraine compared to the approximately 50,000 Starlink terminals provided by Musk's SpaceX. Berneke expressed optimism about scaling up Eutelsat's presence in Ukraine, stating, "We aim to achieve between 5,000 to 10,000 sites with reasonable speed," with expectations that this could happen "within weeks."
While the exact financial details of Germany's support remain undisclosed, the move underscores the increasing importance of reliable internet access in Ukraine, particularly in light of the deteriorating relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine under the Trump administration, which has seen Musk's influence grow.
Joanna Darlington, a spokeswoman for Eutelsat, noted that discussions are ongoing regarding potential additional funding from Germany or other financial sources to support this expansion. The company's OneWeb division competes directly with Starlink by providing low-orbit satellites that connect to ground stations for high-speed internet, particularly in remote areas.
The satellite internet service provided by Eutelsat has become crucial for Ukraine, especially as reliance on Starlink has increased due to its significant operational footprint. However, the Polish government has also played a role in supporting Ukraine's internet access by purchasing Starlink terminals and covering the costs associated with the service.
As the situation evolves, Eutelsat is negotiating with various European governments to explore further satellite connections for Ukraine. This includes potential collaboration within the European Union framework, particularly through the Space Rise initiative, which aims to establish a secure satellite constellation known as Iris².
Andrius Kubilius, a European Parliament minister, emphasized the need for alternatives to Starlink, especially as relations between the U.S. and Ukraine face uncertainty. He stated that the EU is prepared for unexpected developments and is exploring solutions to ensure continued internet access for Ukraine.
As Eutelsat gears up to expand its services in Ukraine, the competition with Starlink is heating up. Musk has denied rumors about potentially suspending Starlink services in Ukraine, asserting his commitment to keeping the communication lines open for the country. This commitment is particularly significant given the geopolitical landscape and the reliance on satellite internet for military and civilian communications.
In summary, Germany's funding for Eutelsat represents a strategic move to bolster Ukraine's internet capabilities, providing a necessary counterbalance to the dominance of Starlink. With plans to significantly increase the number of Eutelsat satellite sites in the coming weeks, the initiative could play a vital role in ensuring that Ukraine remains connected and resilient in the face of ongoing challenges.
