Eutelsat, a French satellite network provider, has been offering internet services to Ukraine for almost a year, thanks to funding from the German government. The company’s OneWeb division operates a group of low-orbit satellites that communicate with ground stations to provide internet connectivity, similar to SpaceX’s Starlink system, which is Ukraine’s primary service provider.
Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke revealed that the German government has provided financial support for the services in Ukraine. Currently, Eutelsat has fewer than 1,000 receiving stations in Ukraine, compared to Starlink’s approximately 50,000 stations, which are also funded by Poland and the US.
However, Berneke pointed out that Eutelsat may introduce 5,000 to 10,000 more receiving stations in Ukraine within the next few weeks. A company spokesperson noted that Eutelsat is discussing whether Germany and other funding sources can support the expansion of its services.
Expansion Plans
Berneke also mentioned that the company is in talks with the European Union’s network to collaborate on building a secure satellite constellation called IRIS. This initiative aims to provide a stable and secure satellite network.
Competition in Ukraine
The competition between Eutelsat and Starlink in Ukraine is significant, with both companies vying to provide internet services to the country. While Starlink has a larger presence, Eutelsat is working to expand its services with the help of German funding.
According to a report by The Verge, Eutelsat’s efforts to expand its services in Ukraine are crucial for the country’s internet connectivity. The company’s plans to introduce more receiving stations will help increase its presence in the country and provide more Ukrainians with access to the internet.