European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier urged SpaceX on Wednesday to restore full Starlink access in Ukraine, saying the satellite network supports troop communications, civilian protection and defense drone operations.
At a Commission briefing in Brussels, Regnier described reports of slower connectivity as “deeply concerning.” He said the accounts differed from the service SpaceX had previously provided and urged the company to act quickly.
The Associated Press reported Oct. 16 that Ukrainian defense technology adviser Serhii Beskrestnov said Starshield terminals could lose connectivity above 160 kph (100 mph). Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet network; Starshield is its military service, which uses Starlink technology. The Commission’s appeal concerned Starlink service, while the reported speed cutoff concerned Starshield terminals.
The Commission’s appeal joins a U.S. inquiry into who controls access. On Oct. 19, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse and Chris Coons sent SpaceX a request for records about the reported restrictions and the company’s decision process. They asked which employees handled or knew about the limits, who could change Ukraine’s Starshield access and how SpaceX decides when to limit Starlink. They also asked whether Germany had been notified, saying it funds Ukraine’s Starlink service. The letter sought records covering Oct. 10-15 and requested a response by Nov. 2.
The Commission has also discussed Ukraine joining GOVSATCOM, which pools satellite capacity from EU member states. On Oct. 14, it said talks were underway about Ukraine’s participation. Commercial capacity could be added early next year. The EU’s IRIS² constellation, planned to include more than 300 satellites, is expected to become fully operational by 2029.
