- Research suggests that Eutelsat, particularly through OneWeb, could partially replace Starlink in Ukraine’s war with Russia, though it’s a complex process.
- Eutelsat offers both geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing high-speed internet with low latency, similar to Starlink.
- Switching to Eutelsat would require significant investment in new equipment, which could be challenging during wartime.
- European backing for Eutelsat could help Ukraine reduce reliance on a single provider.
In the context of Ukraine’s war with Russia, satellite internet has become vital for maintaining communication, especially after the destruction of traditional networks. Starlink, developed by SpaceX, has been a key tool for Ukraine, delivering fast and reliable internet access. However, with potential shifts in U.S. support, a question arises: can Eutelsat, a European satellite operator, serve as a viable alternative? This overview analyzes Eutelsat’s technologies, compares them with Starlink, and evaluates the feasibility of replacement amid the ongoing conflict.
What is Eutelsat and Its Technologies?
Founded in 1977, Eutelsat is a leading satellite operator providing coverage across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Its core services include:
- Geostationary Satellites (GEO): Positioned at 36,000 km, these are used for TV broadcasting, radio, and internet access. They offer wide coverage but higher latency (around 600 ms).
- OneWeb LEO Satellites: Following its 2023 merger with OneWeb, Eutelsat gained access to LEO satellites orbiting at about 1,200 km. These provide low latency (around 32 ms) and speeds up to 400 Mbps, ideal for real-time applications.
Eutelsat also offers services through its Konnect initiative, delivering satellite internet in Europe and Africa using high-throughput (HTS) and very high-throughput (VHTS) GEO satellites.
What is Starlink?
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is a satellite internet system comprising thousands of LEO satellites. It provides:
- Latency of 20-40 ms.
- Speeds up to 200 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
- Global coverage that continues to expand.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Starlink has been critical for Ukraine, ensuring internet access when terrestrial networks were destroyed.
Eutelsat vs. Starlink Comparison
Here’s a table comparing key aspects:
| Aspect | Eutelsat (GEO) | Eutelsat (OneWeb LEO) | Starlink (LEO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latency | Around 600 ms | Around 32 ms | 20-40 ms |
| Speed | Up to 100 Mbps (Konnect) | Up to 400 Mbps | Up to 200 Mbps |
| Coverage | Europe, Africa, etc. | Global, expanding | Global, widely available |
| Reliability | Less suited for real-time | High, like Starlink | High, proven in Ukraine |
| Terminals | Specific required | Specific required | Already widely deployed |
Both LEO services (OneWeb and Starlink) offer low latency, critical for military communications like drone coordination. Eutelsat’s GEO satellites are less effective for such applications due to higher latency.
Coverage in Ukraine
Eutelsat provides coverage in Ukraine through GEO satellites, such as EUTELSAT 10A at 10° East. OneWeb is also expanding in Ukraine, evidenced by its partnership with Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, which will serve as OneWeb’s official representative for high-speed satellite internet. This positions Eutelsat as a potential alternative to Starlink, especially for commercial and governmental needs.
Can Eutelsat Replace Starlink in the War?
Starlink currently operates over 40,000 terminals in Ukraine, supporting civilians, government, and military. Replacing it with Eutelsat (OneWeb) would require:
- Investment in Terminals: OneWeb terminals are not compatible with Starlink, costing up to $10,000 each, plus monthly fees.
- Infrastructure: New ground stations and logistics would need to be established amid wartime conditions.
- Time: The transition cannot happen instantly, posing risks to communication continuity.
However, OneWeb benefits from potential EU support, which could ease funding and deployment. For instance, the European Commission is exploring Govsatcom to support Ukraine, though it’s not an immediate solution.
Interestingly, as a European company, Eutelsat could gain more political backing to ensure connectivity in Ukraine, offering a strategic advantage in the long term by reducing reliance on American technology.
Eutelsat, particularly via OneWeb, has the technological capability to replace Starlink in Ukraine’s war with Russia, offering low latency and high speeds. However, the transition would be challenging due to the need for new terminals and infrastructure, which is difficult during wartime. European support could help, but a full replacement in the short term seems unlikely. In the long term, Eutelsat could become a key partner for diversifying Ukraine’s communication infrastructure.