Starlink offers internet services using satellite in areas that do not have a conventional internet network. In the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Starlink allowed Ukrainian troops to communicate with each other after the telecommunications infrastructure was destroyed. Seeing the situation in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) announced the Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (IRIS²) initiative last year.
Through IRIS² internet networks can be used via low earth orbit satellites similar to what Starlink currently offers. The cost of building this system is expected to reach 6 billion Euros and it is expected to be operational as early as 2027.
A consortium consisting of Airbus Defense and Space, Eutelsat, SES, and Thales Alenia Space announced a collaboration to help the EU develop IRIS². In addition to being used by EU countries, IRIS² can also offer satellite internet services to the African continent when operational later.
Tags
NEWS & FACT