As US allies hurry to build independent satellite communications networks to replace Starlink, Ukraine has begun work on its own network and signed letters of intent to cooperate with ICEYE and Nokia. The European Union, Canada and South Korea have also successively announced plans.
Ukraine aims to develop its own low-Earth-orbit satellite communications network without relying on Starlink, and on the 22nd signed letters of intent to cooperate with Finnish satellite company ICEYE and communications equipment company Nokia. The companies aim to establish a system that allows direct control of satellites and ground communications facilities, with the first satellite planned for launch in 2028.
It has been reported that Starshield speed restrictions affected communications for the Ukrainian military. Reports also said on the 20th that Musk (マスク氏) had instructed that speed restrictions be imposed, while the government announced on the 24th that they had been lifted and that the network had returned to normal.
Starlink is a satellite internet network whose satellites have been launched by SpaceX since 2019, and it currently operates approximately 11,000 satellites. By contrast, Eutelsat subsidiary OneWeb operates approximately 650, highlighting Starlink's overwhelming difference in scale.
The European Union is proceeding with plans to invest approximately $17.5 billion and work with 3 companies, including Eutelsat, to build its own 348-satellite network, “Iris.” The first satellite launch is scheduled for 2029.
Canada is also promoting construction of “Lightspeed,” led by satellite communications operator Telesat. Alongside developments in Europe, including Eutelsat of France, countries face challenges including securing frequency capacity.