France Bets on Eutelsat as Europe’s Starlink Rival – But Experts Doubt Its Edge

France is making a significant investment in Eutelsat, aiming to establish it as Europe’s counterpart to the US-based satellite internet giant, Starlink. As one of Europe’s leading satellite operators, Eutelsat is viewed by the French government as a crucial component of the European Union’s ambition to achieve technological independence. The government regards Eutelsat as a strategic asset that can help reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign technologies, particularly those from the United States. Eutelsat is preparing to launch new satellite broadband services across Europe to compete directly with Starlink’s extensive global network.

Challenges Ahead for Eutelsat

Despite these ambitions, many experts express doubts about Eutelsat’s ability to rival Starlink’s performance effectively. Key points of concern include:

• Orbital Differences: Eutelsat’s satellites operate in geostationary orbit, which typically results in higher latency compared to Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites.
• Performance: Starlink offers faster internet speeds and lower latency, making it more attractive for many users.
• Deployment Speed and Coverage: Starlink’s rapid deployment strategy and global satellite constellation give it a significant competitive edge.

France’s Commitment to European Digital Sovereignty

In spite of these challenges, French authorities remain committed to supporting Eutelsat’s expansion in space technologies and satellite internet services. A strong European alternative is seen as essential for:

1. Data Security – Ensuring that European data remains protected and under control.
2. Digital Sovereignty – Reducing dependency on non-European technologies and operators.
3. Market Influence – Reshaping the European satellite communications market in favor of regional players.

The future success of Eutelsat could play a pivotal role in strengthening Europe’s position in the satellite communications industry.

Stay tuned for more updates with Questiqa Europe News.

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