Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, experienced a dramatic 387% share price surge last week, fueled by speculation surrounding its potential role in providing satellite internet to Ukraine. This follows reports of strained U.S.-Ukraine relations and the possibility of Starlink’s services being curtailed. Eutelsat is currently in talks with the European Union to expand its services in Ukraine, potentially replacing Starlink. While the situation remains unclear, Eutelsat’s substantial satellite fleet positions it as a viable alternative.
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Carlos Slim’s cancellation of a staggering $22 billion in Starlink orders following Elon Musk’s controversial comments is undeniably a major development. The swiftness of Slim’s response—initially canceling a $7 billion order within minutes of Musk’s tweet, and then the entire $22 billion plan an hour later—highlights the gravity of the situation and the immediate impact of Musk’s words. This wasn’t just a financial transaction; it represents a significant blow to Starlink’s expansion plans.
The cancellation signifies more than just lost revenue for SpaceX. Losing América Móvil, a giant telecom company, as a partner across 25 countries is a strategic defeat, handing over significant market share to competitors in China and Europe.… Continue reading
Eutelsat Communications is in advanced negotiations with the EU to potentially replace Starlink’s service in Ukraine, driven by concerns over potential Starlink service restrictions. The company, already operating in Ukraine, aims to provide 40,000 terminals within months, combining its geostationary and OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellites for comprehensive coverage. This dual-constellation approach would ensure continued crucial connectivity for Ukraine’s military and civilian operations. Securing this alternative requires collaboration with European governments and approval of procurement plans.
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Following a dispute with Poland’s foreign minister regarding Starlink funding and Ukraine’s reliance on the system, Elon Musk affirmed that Starlink service to Ukraine will continue. Despite his disagreements with Ukrainian policy and pressure from the Trump administration, Musk stated that disabling Starlink would lead to a catastrophic collapse of the Ukrainian frontline. This assurance came after concerns arose from suspended US aid to Ukraine and Musk’s support for a controversial peace deal. US Secretary of State Rubio also defended Musk and Starlink’s role in the conflict.
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Elon Musk’s threat to shut down Starlink in Ukraine sparked a public exchange, with Radosław Sikorski revealing Polish funding for the service and Marco Rubio denying any threat of Starlink’s disconnection. Musk later dismissed Sikorski’s concerns, emphasizing Starlink’s crucial role in the Ukrainian military’s operations and the high cost of the service. The debate highlighted the dependence of the Ukrainian army on Starlink and the geopolitical complexities of its provision. Sikorski’s subsequent speech at the UN further underscored the severity of the situation in Ukraine.
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Following Elon Musk’s comments regarding Starlink’s crucial role in Ukraine and the potential for its deactivation, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced that Poland, which funds approximately $50 million annually in Starlink services for Ukraine, will seek alternative providers should SpaceX become unreliable. This underscores Poland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and its preparedness to mitigate risks associated with a single provider’s potential unreliability. The statement highlights the significant reliance on Starlink by the Ukrainian military and the potential consequences of its disruption. Poland’s proactive search for alternatives demonstrates a strategic approach to maintaining vital communication infrastructure in Ukraine.
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Elon Musk asserted that deactivating Starlink service in Ukraine would lead to the immediate collapse of the Ukrainian front line, highlighting its critical role in military and civilian communication. Musk’s comments followed reports of potential U.S. Starlink cutoffs linked to a stalled minerals deal and broader tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. Amidst these escalating concerns, Ukrainian officials are exploring alternative satellite internet providers, such as Eutelsat. Musk’s actions, including advocating for sanctions on Ukrainian oligarchs and echoing Russian narratives, have fueled controversy.
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Despite reduced intelligence sharing under the Trump administration, the U.S. continues providing Ukraine with intelligence for defensive purposes, excluding information directly supporting attacks on Russian forces. This policy aims to avoid the appearance of direct U.S. involvement in offensive actions against Russia. However, intelligence bolstering Ukraine’s defensive capabilities remains available. Importantly, Starlink service, crucial for Ukrainian military operations, continues uninterrupted.
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Facing potential Starlink withdrawal from Ukraine, the EU Commission is exploring alternative satellite communication solutions. Eutelsat, a Franco-British operator already active in Ukraine, is in discussions with the Commission to significantly increase its capacity, aiming to provide approximately 40,000 terminals within months. This expansion requires substantial financial and logistical support, with the EU considering leveraging existing and planned programs like Govsatcom and IRIS2. The situation highlights the strategic importance of secure and sovereign European satellite communication capabilities.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford permanently cancelled a $100 million contract with SpaceX for Starlink internet service, citing Musk’s role in the Trump administration and the ongoing trade war with the U.S. This decision, made in response to new tariffs, reverses an earlier reinstatement of the contract. Ford maintains the cancellation is final, regardless of future tariff resolutions, prioritizing a “point of principle” over potential financial penalties. The opposition parties have criticized both the initial contract and its subsequent cancellation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood