These are the six European alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink

The internet plays a crucial role in modern communication. In areas with limited or damaged infrastructure, satellite internet is often the best solution. Although Starlink dominates the global market, there are concerns about whether Europe can continue to rely on it. The political unpredictability of the United States in general, and of Starlink owner Elon Musk in particular, makes dependence on Starlink increasingly unattractive. Europe is therefore looking for independent alternatives. What options are there within Europe, and what innovations are on the horizon?

The different flavors of satellite internet

There are two main types of satellite internet: geostationary satellites and low-orbit constellations. Geostationary satellites float at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers and rotate at exactly the same speed as the Earth, making them appear to be in one place. This technology is used by traditional providers such as Inmarsat, which has fifteen geostationary satellites. The disadvantage is the signal delay due to the great distance. Low-orbit satellites float between 500 and 2000 kilometers in altitude, which ensures faster connections but requires more satellites for global coverage. This is the model that Starlink uses, and which Europe is also striving for with IRIS². The delay plays a major role in the usability of the systems. More delay is not a problem for simple web surfing, but in a video call, half a second of delay is already quite irritating, and if you have to remotely control a drone, it can be fatal.

1. Eutelsat: French giant with global ambitions

Eutelsat is one of Europe's largest players in satellite communications. From its headquarters in Paris, the company manages a network that reaches Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and large parts of Asia and America. With more than 5,800 TV channels and 1,100 radio stations, Eutelsat has a solid foundation in traditional satellite communication. Eutelsat offers communication services via both geostationary and low-orbit satellites. The company already has 2,000 terminals operational in Ukraine, which demonstrates that they can also function in crisis situations. Eutelsat's merger with OneWeb in 2022 strengthens their position in the low-orbit segment, with which they compete directly with Starlink.

2. Inmarsat: British maritime specialist

Founded in 1979, Inmarsat has developed from a maritime safety organization into a globally operating telecommunications provider. With fifteen geostationary satellites and more than 31 ground stations, the company offers coverage between 76 degrees north and south latitude. Inmarsat's expertise in maritime communications makes the company particularly valuable for European strategic autonomy. The company offers services ranging from traditional telephone connections to fast data connections via satellite modems.

3. SES: Luxembourg market leader

Since the acquisition of GE Americom in 2001, SES has grown to become the world's largest commercial satellite operator. The company offers services through subsidiaries in Europe (SES Astra), the US (SES Americom) and developing markets (New Skies Satellites). In March 2022, SES strengthened its position by acquiring GES's satellite communications activities for 450 million dollars. SES is part of the SpaceRISE consortium that will develop IRIS². They currently offer data services via geostationary satellites and MEO satellites. MEO satellites (Medium Earth Orbit) are located at an altitude between LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and GEO (Geostationary Orbit) satellites.

4. Hisdesat: Spanish strategic player

Hisdesat, founded in 2001 with an initial investment of 415 million euros, is a strategic player in European space travel . The company manages various satellites for secure communication and earth observation, including Spainsat, XTAR-EUR and Paz. The launch of Spainsat NG I and II strengthens their position in secure communication. Hisdesat's expertise in secure communications makes the company a valuable partner in European initiatives for independent satellite communications. Hisdesat offers communications via geostationary satellites.

5. IRIS²: Europe's ambitious plan for the future

IRIS² represents Europe's ambition for complete independence in satellite communications. With a budget of 10.5 billion euros, of which 6.5 billion will come from public funds, this multi-orbit system should be operational by 2027. The project, led by the SpaceRISE consortium with SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, will place 290 satellites in low orbit and medium earth orbit (MEO). IRIS² will support both government services and commercial applications, from crisis management to rural connectivity.

6. Project Bromo: The industrial alliance

Project Bromo, a new partnership between Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, forms the industrial backbone of Europe's satellite ambitions. The project, named after an Indonesian volcano, combines the strengths of Europe's largest aerospace companies. Bromo is a completely new initiative. It will have to compete with Starlink and IRIS². However, the initiators have not yet released many details. The collaboration follows the successful model of the MBDA missile manufacturer and focuses on the production of cost-effective satellites for low orbits.

Europe launches own satellite network rivals Musk's Starlink

The European Union and the European Space Agency ESA are investing €10.6 billion in launching a new satellite network, IRIS², in 2029.