Can Europe’s Eutelsat OneWeb Serve as a Starlink Alternative for Ukraine’s Satellite Internet Needs?
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A Deep Dive into Satellite Connectivity Options |
With Ukraine heavily reliant on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system for military and civilian communications amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, recent geopolitical tensions have sparked interest in whether Europe’s Eutelsat, particularly its OneWeb division, could step in as a viable replacement. Starlink has been a lifeline since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, supporting everything from battlefield command to civilian smartphone connections, but uncertainties around its continued availability, fueled by a public dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump, have pushed Europe to explore alternatives. Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite operator, has emerged as a contender, bolstered by its merger with OneWeb and ongoing talks with the European Union to expand services in Ukraine. This article delves into the feasibility of Eutelsat OneWeb replacing Starlink, examining its capabilities, limitations, and the broader implications for Ukraine’s satellite internet infrastructure.
Starlink’s role in Ukraine cannot be overstated. With over 7,000 low Earth orbit satellites, it delivers broadband speeds up to 200 megabits per second, powering an estimated 23,000 terminals across the country. These terminals, costing $589 upfront plus a monthly subscription ranging from $95 to $440, have become indispensable for Ukrainian forces, enabling real-time coordination and drone operations despite damaged terrestrial networks. However, concerns over potential disruptions, including U.S. negotiators hinting at leveraging Starlink access in talks over Ukraine’s critical minerals, have intensified the search for a backup. Eutelsat, already providing satellite connectivity for government and institutional use in Ukraine, is positioning itself as a potential solution, with its stock soaring over fourfold since late February 2025 as investors bet on its OneWeb constellation. But how does Eutelsat OneWeb stack up, and can it truly meet Ukraine’s satellite internet demands?
Eutelsat’s strength lies in its hybrid satellite network, combining approximately 630 low Earth orbit satellites from OneWeb with 35 geostationary satellites. This setup offers global coverage and speeds up to 150 megabits per second, making it a strong candidate for government and defense applications. The company has confirmed discussions with the EU to deploy additional OneWeb terminals in Ukraine, targeting critical missions like military communications and infrastructure support. Unlike Starlink, which serves a broad consumer base alongside military users, OneWeb focuses on enterprise and institutional clients, aligning well with Ukraine’s strategic needs. Its low Earth orbit satellites, orbiting at about 1,200 kilometers, provide low latency similar to Starlink’s 20 to 40 milliseconds, essential for time-sensitive operations. Meanwhile, the geostationary satellites, positioned at 35,000 kilometers, offer wider coverage, though with higher latency, potentially supplementing rather than replacing LEO capabilities.
Despite these strengths, Eutelsat OneWeb faces significant hurdles in fully replacing Starlink’s satellite internet services in Ukraine. Starlink’s massive constellation dwarfs OneWeb’s, suggesting a far greater capacity to handle thousands of simultaneous users. OneWeb’s usable capacity stands at 1.2 terabits per second, impressive but possibly inadequate for the scale of Ukraine’s military and civilian needs, especially given reports of Starlink experiencing congestion as usage grows. Cost and logistics further complicate the picture. OneWeb terminals, priced at up to $10,000 plus a monthly fee, are far pricier and less portable than Starlink’s, posing challenges for rapid deployment across a war-torn region. While Starlink’s plug-and-play design has enabled quick setup for troops and civilians alike, transitioning to OneWeb could require significant infrastructure adjustments and funding, though the EU’s proposed $150 billion defense loan package might ease this burden.
Beyond capacity and cost, integration with Ukraine’s existing systems presents another layer of complexity. Starlink has been tailored to the country’s military requirements, including secure communications and compatibility with drone technology, until SpaceX restricted such use in 2023. Eutelsat would need to ensure its services align with these protocols, a process that could delay implementation. However, the EU’s strategic push to reduce reliance on Starlink adds an intriguing dimension. Initiatives like GovSatCom, set to launch in 2026, and a broader effort to bolster European satellite autonomy suggest Eutelsat could serve as a bridge, potentially complemented by other emerging systems. France and Britain, holding a combined 24.8% stake in Eutelsat, are also driving a peace deal that might prioritize European solutions, enhancing OneWeb’s role.
Other alternatives to Starlink’s satellite internet services remain limited. Luxembourg-based SES, with its O3b mPOWER medium Earth orbit constellation, supports NATO but focuses on corporate and government clients, lacking consumer-friendly terminals. EU projects like IRIS² and GOVSATCOM, while promising, are years from full operation, leaving Eutelsat as the most immediate option. Poland’s ongoing funding of Starlink subscriptions for Ukraine adds another twist, potentially sustaining Starlink’s presence even as Eutelsat ramps up. This dynamic suggests a hybrid approach might emerge, with Eutelsat OneWeb handling key government and military functions while Starlink continues supporting broader civilian use, assuming funding persists.
Ultimately, Eutelsat OneWeb’s potential to replace Starlink in Ukraine hinges on execution. Its existing presence, EU backing, and focus on secure, high-priority communications make it a compelling alternative, particularly for military applications. Yet, its smaller satellite fleet and higher costs raise doubts about matching Starlink’s scale and accessibility. The EU’s involvement, including financial and strategic support, could tip the scales, but a seamless transition seems unlikely without addressing capacity gaps and deployment challenges. For now, Eutelsat offers a lifeline to bolster Ukraine’s satellite internet resilience, but fully supplanting Starlink may require a coordinated, multi-provider effort, reflecting the complexity of sustaining connectivity in a conflict zone.
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