### Europe’s Audacious Move Towards Independent Satellite Internet: The IRIS² Initiative
In a pivotal action to claim its technological autonomy, the European Commission has recently revealed plans to finalize a contract with prominent European space firms for the creation of a 290-satellite broadband internet network. This visionary endeavor, termed **IRIS²** (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite), is projected to exceed **€10 billion** (around **$10.9 billion**) and aspires to lessen Europe’s dependency on external satellite services such as **SpaceX’s Starlink** and **OneWeb**.
### The Pursuit of Independence
The European Union (EU) has consistently expressed alarm over its reliance on non-European satellite systems for essential communications infrastructure. Presently, Europe’s chief options for low-latency, high-speed satellite internet are **Starlink**, an American service, and **OneWeb**, which, despite being owned by France’s **Eutelsat**, has significant connections to the United Kingdom—a nation that departed from the EU in 2020.
The IRIS² initiative was unveiled in 2022 as a direct reaction to these issues. The EU seeks to create a **sovereign satellite broadband constellation** to guarantee that Europe is not dependent on foreign infrastructures, particularly for vital strategic and military communications. The initiative is also intended to deliver secure global connectivity for the military forces of EU member states while catering to commercial clients as well.
### The Team Behind IRIS²
The IRIS² contract will be granted to the **SpaceRISE consortium**, composed of European satellite operators including **SES**, **Eutelsat**, and **Hispasat**. The European Commission will oversee the program, with financing provided by both the **European Space Agency (ESA)** and the European private sector in a **public-private partnership**. European governments are anticipated to contribute about **60%** of the funding, with the remaining **40%** coming from the industry.
The consortium further encompasses major European aerospace and telecommunications firms such as **Airbus Defence and Space**, **Thales Alenia Space**, **OHB**, **Telespazio**, **Deutsche Telekom**, **Orange**, and **Thales SIX**. These entities, generally rivals in the satellite and telecom arenas, must collaborate effectively to ensure this expansive project’s success.
### Crucial Role of Satellite Broadband
Satellite broadband has emerged as an essential aspect of contemporary communications infrastructure, especially in remote or underserved regions where terrestrial internet options are scarce. The effectiveness of satellite networks has been highlighted in conflict areas, exemplified by the ongoing war in Ukraine, where **Starlink** has been utilized to deliver internet access on the front lines.
For Europe, establishing its own satellite broadband network transcends mere commercial interests and speaks to **strategic independence**. The capacity to manage its own communications infrastructure is regarded as critical for **national security**, **military operations**, and **economic stability**.
### A Global Movement
Europe is not the sole territory pursuing independent satellite infrastructures. Earlier this year, the governments of **Canada** and **Quebec** consented to provide **$1.9 billion** in loans and warrants to **Telesat** to finance its **198-satellite Lightspeed constellation**. This will grant Canadian military personnel and private citizens access to their own domestic broadband capabilities.
Likewise, **China** and **Amazon** are advancing their respective satellite broadband megaconstellations, while **Russia** has also declared intentions to construct a satellite network, albeit its capabilities are allegedly constrained.
### Hurdles Ahead
While the IRIS² initiative represents a courageous stride toward European self-sufficiency, it encounters considerable obstacles. The projected cost of the initiative has surged from earlier estimates, with the current figure surpassing **€10 billion**, nearly double the initial projection. Additionally, the timeline for launching the network has been postponed, with services now expected to commence for European government clients by **2030**, three years later than originally scheduled.
The escalating expenses and delays have provoked debate within Europe. Earlier this year, **Robert Habeck**, Germany’s economy minister, labeled the proposed **€12 billion** investment in IRIS² as “exorbitant” and criticized the project as “ill-conceived.” Nevertheless, the European Commission has progressed with the contract awarding, indicating its dedication to the initiative.
### A Long-Term Commitment
The IRIS² scheme will be financed through the conclusion of **2027**, aligning with the European Commission’s seven-year budget framework. However, it is highly likely that supplementary government funding will be necessary beyond this timeframe to finalize the undertaking. The European Commission has indicated that future funding will depend on the “availability of the corresponding appropriations.”
The contract, anticipated to be finalized in **December 2024**, will encompass the development, deployment, and management of at least **290 satellites**. These satellites will be placed.
