# OneWeb vs. Starlink: Is Europe Able to Diminish Its Reliance on Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet?
## Introduction
Recently, satellite-based broadband has emerged as a vital element of global communication, especially in conflict zones and remote regions. SpaceX’s **Starlink** has taken the lead in this industry, offering high-speed internet access globally, including to the Ukrainian military amid its conflict with Russia. Nevertheless, worries regarding **Elon Musk’s political sway** and the possibility of service interruptions have prompted European officials to look for alternative solutions.
One such substitute is **OneWeb**, a satellite internet provider currently owned by the French company **Eutelsat**. But can OneWeb genuinely rival Starlink and deliver a **trustworthy, independent** option for Europe and Ukraine? This article delves into OneWeb’s advantages and drawbacks, as well as its prospective role in the future of satellite communications.
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## The Political Context: The Motive Behind Europe’s Search for Alternatives to Starlink
Elon Musk’s **increasingly contentious political views** have stirred apprehensions among European leaders. His **advocacy for a U.S. withdrawal from NATO**, his **endorsement of right-wing populism**, and his **vague position on Ukraine** have left many governments uneasy about depending on Starlink for vital infrastructure.
While Starlink has been **a crucial support for Ukraine**, delivering essential connectivity to civilians and military forces alike, Musk has shown that he can **terminate service at any moment**. This unpredictability has urged European authorities to hasten the development of **self-sufficient satellite broadband options**.
### Europe’s Long-Term Strategy: IRIS²
The European Union has unveiled intentions for **IRIS²**, a **constellation of 290 satellites** aimed at ensuring secure broadband communications. However, this initiative is still in the conceptual phases and is not expected to be operational before **2030**.
In the interim, **OneWeb** is currently the sole alternative to Starlink for satellite broadband across Europe.
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## OneWeb: Is It a Workable Alternative?
### OneWeb’s Journey and Obstacles
OneWeb has experienced a **bumpy history**, marked by **bankruptcy, ownership transitions, and geopolitical hurdles**. The company initially planned to launch **900 satellites**, yet financial setbacks forced it to reduce this number to **approximately 630 operational satellites**.
In 2023, **Eutelsat purchased OneWeb** for **$3.4 billion**, bringing crucial financial stability. Both the British and French governments hold **over 10%** of the company, positioning it as a **European-managed alternative** to Starlink.
### OneWeb vs. Starlink: Major Differences
| Feature | OneWeb | Starlink |
|———|——–|———-|
| **Number of Satellites** | ~630 | ~5,500+ (and increasing) |
| **Coverage** | Global, but limited in capacity | Global, with extensive capacity |
| **User Terminals** | Costly, bulky, and challenging to deploy | Affordable, compact, and user-friendly |
| **Speed & Performance** | Reduced bandwidth, prone to congestion | High-speed, low-latency internet |
| **Ownership** | European (Eutelsat, UK, France) | American (SpaceX, Elon Musk) |
OneWeb’s **smaller satellite constellation** and **limited ground infrastructure** mean that it **cannot compete with Starlink’s speed, capacity, or user-friendliness**. Still, it provides a **European-managed alternative** that may alleviate dependency on Musk’s company.
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## Can OneWeb Aid Ukraine?
### Capacity Concerns
A significant challenge for OneWeb is its **capacity**. As per satellite industry specialist **Caleb Henry**, OneWeb possesses **only about 4% of the global capacity available through Starlink**. Thus, should Ukraine switch to OneWeb, it could encounter **serious bandwidth constraints**.
> *“OneWeb customers assert that when the service operates effectively, it is excellent. However, they experience network congestion much faster than with Starlink.”* — Caleb Henry
If Ukraine were to depend on OneWeb, **network congestion could present a substantial problem**, particularly as more users connect to the service.
### Terminal Availability and Costs
Another significant challenge is the **availability and pricing of user terminals**. Starlink’s terminals are **economical, portable, and straightforward to deploy**, making them perfect for military and emergency contexts. Conversely, OneWeb’s terminals are **larger, pricier, and more challenging to mass-produce**.
For instance, Ukrainian forces have successfully **mounted Starlink terminals on drones**, facilitating **real-time communication on the battlefield**. OneWeb’s terminals are **too sizeable and cumbersome for such uses**.
Moreover, **terminals in Ukraine often get destroyed** due to Russian assaults. This indicates that **tens of thousands of replacements** would be necessary over time. OneWeb currently
