Since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the service of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites has been key to maintaining army communications. The SpaceX satellite network It has become the pillar of the operations of Volodimir Zelenskiguaranteeing connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure have been destroyed.
However, a report from Reuters has revealed that Donald Trump’s administration has warned kyiv about A possible suspension of access to this satellite connection If you do not grant your critical mineral reservations.
Although his own Musk has denied this information And he has said that it is false news, the possibility that the Ukrainian country loses its main communication system has led the European Union to explore alternatives.
The EU seeks satellite alternatives to a possible threat
It should be noted that The EU is analyzing several options to reduce Starlink dependence and guarantee that Ukraine can maintain your communications in case Spacex decides to cut the service.
Among the main solutions that are being considered highlights Govsatcom, a network of satellites shared by governments that are part of the European Commission, designed to provide safe communications in emergency situations.
Another alternative is Iris2, an ambitious European project that seeks to create a constellation of latest generation satellites. Although its complete deployment is not planned until 2030, it is raised as a long -term solution to strengthen EU autonomy in spatial communications.
Meanwhile, the EU also studies the possibility of resorting to private operators. Among the options are the purchase of commercial capacity from geostationary satellites such as Hispasat, SES or Oneweb, which already operate in orbit and They could provide immediate connectivity to Ukraine.
Avoid Starlink dependence, a key goal
At the moment, Ukraine has approximately 42,000 Starlink terminalsof which half are financed by Poland. Although the system has been fundamental to the country, its control in the hands of a private company and the uncertainty about its continuity have turned on the alarms in the EU.
Given this situation, Brussels evaluates to accelerate the deployment of Govsatcom as a provisional solution until IRIS2 between operation. The objective is to prevent Ukraine strategic communications depending exclusively on Elon Musk, who has already demonstrated his willingness to modify Starlink access based on political or economic interests.
Guarantee the stability of communications in a context of war is a priority for the European Union, which now seeks alternatives that ensure kyiv connectivity without depending on a single private company.
Elon Musk challenges operators: mobiles can already connect satellite with Spacex
Image generated with AI
The Tesla CEO has assured that your company is ready to offer LTE connection from space thanks to the first Starlink satellites with cellular coverage. The Federal Communications Commission of the United States has already authorized its operation in an experimental phase that will last until July 2025.
It should be noted that this system It works thanks to satellites equipped with Enodemb Modems, similar to those used by land telephone towers. These communicate directly with mobile phones via LTE/4G, without the need for additional infrastructure. To do this, Spacex has reached agreements with operators that yield their frequencies and guarantee efficient connectivity.
This advance has the potential to offer a scope up to 10 times higher to any other telecommunications company. This means that mobile connectivity will no longer be limited by terrestrial infrastructure, which will mean a radical change in the way people communicate throughout the world.
With the definitive implementation of Starlink Direct to Cell, Mobile connectivity will no longer be a problem in traditionally isolated areassuch as deserts, jungles or maritime regions. In addition, it will be key in emergency situations, where lack of coverage can make a difference between life and death.
This advance would not be possible without Spacex’s ability to display satellites in a massive way. Thanks to the reusable rockets Falcon 9the company has managed to establish a satellite infrastructure in record time, making projects like this come true.
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Tags: Elon Musk