Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, announced today it "experienced a service disruption and is investigating," but did not provide further details. The outage affected tens of thousands of customers worldwide, including Ukrainian units on the front lines.
"We have once again lost Starlink connection across the entire front line," said Robert Brovdi, commander of the Ukrainian Drone Systems Force. About an hour later, Ukrainian officers reported that connectivity was "gradually being restored," but did not specify the extent of the impact.
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Ukrainian soldiers install Starlink equipment on the front line in Donetsk province in 2/2024. _Photo: Reuters_ |
Ukraine relies heavily on satellite internet systems like Starlink due to significant damage to its telecommunications infrastructure during the conflict with Russia. Starlink is used in both military and civilian sectors, becoming an essential service for hospitals, schools, and front-line units.
The most recent Starlink disruption for Ukrainian units occurred on 24/7, when connectivity was lost for approximately two and a half hours due to a software error. Major Brovdi commented at the time that the incident highlighted the risks of Ukraine's military over-reliance on systems like Starlink, and called for the implementation of more diverse communication and connectivity methods.
Starlink has over 6 million users globally. The service provides high-speed internet through a network of thousands of low-orbit satellites, enabling access to remote areas where traditional infrastructure deployment is impossible.
Since the conflict began, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals from supporters.
Melinda Haring, an expert at the Atlantic Council research institute in the US, assessed that Starlink plays a vital role in drone operations, which are a key pillar of Ukraine's combat activities. She warned that any disruption to Starlink connectivity could be a turning point for Ukraine, as the service helps Kyiv maintain a balance with Moscow on the battlefield.
Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, AP, DW, CNN)
