French operator Eutelsat could replace Starlink for Ukraine – FT
Illustrative photo: French operator Eutelsat could replace Starlink for Ukraine (Getty Images)
French satellite communications operator Eutelsat is in talks with European governments about expanding its services in Ukraine. The company could become an alternative to Starlink, the Financial Times reports.
According to media reports, Eutelsat is already cooperating with European organizations and has equipment that can be rapidly deployed in Ukraine. This would improve connectivity for critical military and civilian infrastructure.
Notably, after the US paused military aid to Ukraine, Eutelsat’s stock surged by 80% in a single day. This could indicate Europe's intention to strengthen its support for Ukraine independently.
Currently, Eutelsat plans to use two types of satellites:
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) OneWeb satellites (1,200 km)
- Geostationary satellites (35,000 km)
This would help maintain connectivity for Ukrainian drones striking Russian positions.
However, OneWeb still lags behind Starlink. Elon Musk’s system has over 7,000 satellites, while OneWeb has fewer than 700. Additionally, Eutelsat terminals are heavier and less convenient for mobile use.
Risk of Starlink restrictions
Starlink provides critical connectivity in Ukraine, supporting military forces, government agencies, and civilians, particularly in combat zones. However, according to Reuters, the US is pressuring Ukraine by demanding access to strategic mineral resources. During negotiations, the American side raised the possibility of restricting Ukraine's access to Starlink.
Additionally, the European Commission is exploring ways to assist Ukraine in securing satellite communications in case access to the Starlink network is restricted.
