SpaceX lifts Starlink restrictions in Ukraine as Kyiv seeks alternatives

SpaceX appears to have lifted speed restrictions on its Starshield satellite internet service in Ukraine, according to TechCrunch. Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara stated that Starshield seems to be operating normally again, although the Ukrainian military continues to conduct tests and has not received an official explanation for the recent disruption. The Guardian and the Financial Times both reported that Ukraine's military confirmed Starlink satellite connections have stabilized following the recent limitations. [1][5][7]

The restrictions lasted for 10 days and caused Ukrainian drones to lose internet connectivity when flying at speeds around 100 miles per hour, TechCrunch reported. The connectivity drops caused the military to lose control of some drones and made others vulnerable due to lower flight speeds. The Independent reported that Elon Musk reportedly ordered SpaceX to restrict Ukraine's access after the military violated terms of service. [1][6]

As FTMQ Startups reported earlier, Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Nokia and Finnish radar microsatellite maker ICEYE to develop sovereign satellite communication capabilities as an alternative to Starlink. CNBC Tech reported that the partnership was announced by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense after the Starlink disconnections caused fast-moving military drones to drop out of the sky. The agreement sits under 300 million euro agreements between Ukraine and Finland. [2][12]

The Ukrainian military is continuing tests on the Starlink network to verify whether service limits have been fully removed across all operational zones, TechCrunch reported. [1]