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Collaboration of European Space Enterprises to Develop Alternative to Starlink

In response to Elon Musk’s Starlink, European space and telecommunications companies have come together to bid on the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite (IRIS2) project. The goal of IRIS2 is to provide Europe with a reliable, secure, and interconnected satellite infrastructure that will cater to the region’s governments, businesses, and citizens. With Musk’s Starlink already providing internet connectivity to remote areas, the European Union aims to create an independent infrastructure that does not rely on a single private service provider, especially during times of conflict or political tensions.

IRIS2 promises to deliver a new connectivity infrastructure that prioritizes security and resilience, making it an attractive alternative to Musk’s service. The move also highlights Europe’s growing interest in space technology and its desire to have a stake in the industry. The joint effort of European companies demonstrates a shared commitment to create a more diverse and stable satellite infrastructure for the continent, positioning it as a significant player in the space industry.

Who will build IRIS2?

The European Commission’s call for tender of the satellite constellation was answered by an open consortium consisting of the biggest names in the space and telecommunications arena in Europe.

This included Airbus Defence and Space, Eutelsat, Hispasat, SES, Thales Alenia Space on the space front, Deutsche Telekom, OHB, Orange, Hisdesat, Telespazio, and Thales from the telecommunications sector. Together, the consortium wants to build the satellite constellation on a “multi-orbit architecture” which will be “interoperable with the terrestrial ecosystem,” the press release said.

European space companies come together to build a Starlink alternative
Satellite internet and communication technology over Europe

With the bigwigs lining up for the contract that is expected to cost $6 billion, there seems to be little space for new entrants in the space sector, something the EU has been pushing to create a stronger commercial space sector in Europe.

European Space Agency (ESA) has plenty of experience building satellite constellations such as Galileo and Copernicus, which are already in orbit. However, the project for providing internet connectivity requires a high degree of nimbleness, given Starlink’s established popularity and plans for expansion.

IRIS2 needs to be implemented rapidly, and the EU has set 2027 as the target date for global coverage. But with such a large consortium planning to take up the project, the pace of execution is under question. Even the likes of Starlink took over four years to establish global coverage with a strong workhorse called Falcon 9 on its side.

The Ariane 6 launch vehicle isn’t expected to be ready until next year and may not even have the spare launch capacity that IRIS2 will need for global coverage by 2027, Ars Technica reported.

Can a major consortium repeat the achievements of Starlink in a similar timeframe remains to be seen.

Elon Musk’s Starlink Ready to Provide Internet Services in Pakistan

Elon Musk’s company Starlink Internet Services has officially registered itself with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to provide internet services in Pakistan through satellite.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication on Monday, SpaceX Director for Global Licensing and Market Activation Ryan Goodnight met Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haq to discuss the registration of SpaceX’s Starlink.

The meeting was held to explore how Starlink’s quickest and least expensive satellite internet services could open the door for reasonably priced broadband services throughout Pakistan.

The minister expressed the optimism that even in remote areas Starlink’s services could significantly lower the operational costs of telecom operators.

The minister stated, “Our main goal is to provide broadband services to every area of Pakistan at a reasonable price,” adding, “Starlink can play a significant role in this regard.”

Ryan Goodnight expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s growth in the IT and telecom sectors and thanked the minister for his cooperation. Ryan said, “The fundamentals are finished, and we are now prepared to go quickly.”

Starlink Satellite Broadband is Now Officially Registered in Pakistan

Elon Musk’s famous satellite internet service has reportedly registered to operate and provide internet services in Pakistan. This is a huge development for Pakistan’s IT and Telecommunication sector, especially since freelancers can get high-speed connectivity and efficiency in their work.

The Director of Global Licensing and Market Activation at Space, Ryan Goodnight, called on the Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Aminul Haq, to discuss the registration of Space’s Starlink in Pakistan.

Telecom operators in far-flung areas will now be able to access the internet through Starlink’s services, which could significantly reduce their operating costs. Even in remote areas, where inactive towers could be activated at a low cost, the Minister expressed optimism about Starlink’s services reducing telecom operators’ operating costs.

During his speech, Ryan Goodnight expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s full cooperation and the progress Pakistan has made in the field of IT and telecommunications. We have completed the basic steps, and now we are ready to move forward quickly,” Ryan said.

Starlink Back to Date

Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd (Starlink) which is owned by Starlink Holdings
Netherlands BV, applied for an LDI license for Pakistan on 24th February 2022 along with 14 x LL licenses for all Telecom Regions of Pakistan on 29th April 2022.

Starlink Network Across The Country

North America is the first continent where Space Starlink was launched in August 2020, the United States being the first country to connect with the product.

Starlink is a satellite-based internet constellation that provides internet access to 57 countries around the world (at the time of publication). You can see more at Starlink’s official live map.

Starlink Announces New ‘Global’ Satellite Internet Package

SpaceX Starlink has just announced its new “global” satellite internet package, Starlink Roam, which is now available for $200 per month. 

Starlink, which is one of the world’s most famed satellite internet companies, has finally announced the release of its global internet package, which will allow its subscribers to use the Starlink internet from any and everywhere in the world.

This internet service promises to follow you across any continent and most countries, providing reliable internet connectivity even in locations where connectivity has been completely unavailable. With the Starlink Roam package, you can choose between a portable antenna for $599 or an in-motion antenna for $2,500. 

Moreover, the subscription is flexible, allowing you to pause and unpause the service whenever you want, while getting billed in one-month increments. While it is unclear whether the service will still be available in the countries where Starlink’s technically not allowed, it can be ordered in the countries on the Starlink availability map. 

The company is still waiting on regulatory approval from some countries, including India, Pakistan, and Cambodia. However, Elon Musk stated in an interview with the Financial Times that the Chinese government has “made clear its disapproval of his recent rollout of Starlink.” 

Starlink Roam promises high-speed, low-latency service with brief periods of poor connectivity or none at all, but the company claims that this will improve dramatically over time.