Ukraine's military satellite communications are back to normal after nearly two weeks of restrictions on SpaceX's Starshield network disrupted drone operations. But the incident has brought fresh attention to Europe's efforts to develop alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service.
The restrictions affected equipment travelling at high speeds, including drones used to intercept Russian attacks. Although Ukrainian officials confirmed on 24 October that connectivity had been restored, questions remain over who authorised the changes and whether other satellite operators could provide a reliable alternative.
What Happened to Starlink in Ukraine?
The disruption began around 14 October, when Ukrainian forces reported losing satellite connections on equipment travelling faster than approximately 160 kilometres per hour. The restrictions affected Starshield, the military-focused service developed by SpaceX, and interfered with drones used for reconnaissance, strikes and air defence.
Starshield is closely related to the commercial Starlink network, but it's designed for government and military use. Both rely on satellites in low Earth orbit to provide communications in areas where traditional networks may be unavailable or vulnerable to attack.
According to original reporting by The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump contacted Musk on 21 October and asked him to remove the restrictions. The newspaper cited US officials who said Musk had ordered the slowdown, although responsibility for the decision remains disputed.
Trump subsequently said the service had been restored, but Ukrainian officials continued reporting problems on 23 October. Some equipment could operate at higher speeds, while other systems were still losing their connections during military operations.
That changed on 24 October, when Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevheniy Khmara confirmed to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that connections were stable on equipment travelling faster than 400 kilometres per hour. The ministry said it would continue monitoring both Starlink and Starshield.
Musk has separately accused Ukraine of using commercial Starlink terminals for offensive military operations in breach of the service's terms. Ukrainian officials have disputed that account, saying their military operations use Starshield. Neither explanation has settled who authorised the military service restrictions.
Europe's Starlink Alternatives Come Under Scrutiny
The incident has renewed attention on satellite networks outside SpaceX, particularly those being developed in Europe. Governments looking to reduce their dependence on Starlink have several options, although none currently offers a direct replacement for its full range of services.
One of the most established competitors is Eutelsat OneWeb, which already operates a low Earth orbit satellite network. Unlike Starlink's consumer-focused service, OneWeb concentrates on business, government and other professional customers, including those needing secure communications in remote locations.
Eutelsat is also expanding its defence capabilities. In February 2026, the company announced a portable military satellite terminal developed with Intellian, allowing personnel to access OneWeb connectivity using equipment designed for field operations. The company is continuing to upgrade its network.
On 2 October, Eutelsat announced the completion of 32 new OneWeb satellites, manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space in France. The satellites are being prepared for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket, highlighting Europe's continued reliance on its American competitor for access to orbit. Another major project is IRIS², the European Union's planned secure satellite communications network.
The programme is intended to provide government, defence and commercial connectivity while giving Europe greater control over its communications infrastructure. In August, the European Commission confirmed an implementation agreement with the SpaceRISE consortium, which includes Eutelsat, SES and Hispasat.
The revised programme will include 348 satellites, with the first launches scheduled for 2029. That timeline means IRIS² won't offer an immediate alternative to Starlink, even as European governments increase their investment in independent satellite communications.
Starlink's Mobile Pivot
SpaceX weighs a direct US mobile play, shifting Starlink from wholesale satellite partner to full-scale carrier contender.
Competition Beyond Europe Is Also Growing
Europe isn't alone in developing alternatives. Canada's Telesat is building its Lightspeed satellite network, which is expected to begin global commercial service in 2028. The company is also expanding its involvement in military communications, including satellite coverage for operations in the Arctic.
Amazon is another emerging competitor through Amazon Leo, previously known as Project Kuiper. The company has been building a low Earth orbit network intended to serve commercial customers, governments and organisations requiring connectivity beyond the reach of conventional infrastructure.
On 13 October, Amazon announced a successful satellite communications demonstration with the US Army. The test demonstrated the network's potential military applications, although Amazon Leo is still expanding and isn't currently a direct substitute for Starshield's battlefield capabilities.
Final Thoughts: Starlink's Rivals Face a Bigger Opportunity
The Starshield restrictions have been lifted, but the incident has added urgency to discussions about satellite communications controlled by private companies and foreign governments.
In a 26 October Bloomberg Opinion column, Lionel Laurent argued that European governments should accelerate investment in competing networks, particularly OneWeb and IRIS². He also suggested that international partnerships could help Europe develop alternatives without waiting for an entirely independent satellite industry.
Those proposals reflect a broader debate about technological sovereignty rather than confirmed changes in government policy. There's also no clear evidence yet that the disruption has directly resulted in new contracts or revenue for SpaceX's competitors. For now, Starlink and Starshield remain central to Ukraine's communications capabilities.
Competing satellite networks are developing, but replacing that infrastructure will take time, investment and systems capable of meeting the same operational demands.
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