Eutelsat Oneweb: Does Europe have any alternatives to Starlink?

Nine U.S. senators have called for clarification regarding reports that Starlink internet services were temporarily restricted in Ukraine. The satellite-based internet service, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been crucial for Ukrainian military communications and drone operations. According to Ukrainian officials, the restrictions occurred unexpectedly this week, limiting their ability to conduct military operations. Starlink’s role in Ukraine extends beyond military use, providing essential internet access for civilians. The system consists of thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, enabling low-latency communication through direct laser links between satellites. In contrast, European alternatives such as Oneweb, which merged with Eutelsat, rely on fewer satellites and less advanced technology. Oneweb launched its network before Starlink but faced financial difficulties and required government bailouts before merging with Eutelsat. Eutelsat claims its combined fleet of large and small satellites offers similar coverage and latency performance to Starlink. However, market confidence in Eutelsat has fluctuated since discussions around Starlink's restrictions began. Despite recent stock price increases, long-term trends show declining value, with the company's worth dropping below two billion euros. European efforts to develop alternative satellite systems face delays. IRIS², a complex project involving satellites at varying altitudes, was initially scheduled to launch in 2024 but has been postponed until 2029. Germany, concerned about Russia's threat, plans its own satellite system, SATCOMBw 4, for the armed forces. Similar initiatives are underway in Italy. While European nations aim for interoperability among different satellite systems, no single European equivalent to Starlink exists. Eutelsat plays a central role in advancing Oneweb and participating in IRIS², having recently ordered additional satellites from Airbus to modernize its fleet.