Ukrainian intelligence accuses Russian forces of using Elon Musk’s Starlink network at the front. Two after the start of the conflict, tensions with the Kremlin took a new turn.
On Saturday, Ukrainian authorities revealed that the Russian military is now operating Elon Musk’s satellite Internet access service, Starlink, whereas it was previously reserved for Volodymyr Zelensky’s troops. The intelligence spokesperson affirms that Russian units, stationed near Bakhmount, in eastern Ukraine, use the Starlink network very intensively.
Russia reportedly obtains Starlink antennas from other countries for use in Ukraine
Starlink today has a network of 4,000 to 5,000 active satellites, deployed in low orbit. The latter form a sort of network all around the planet, to provide internet access to small terrestrial antennas, particularly for populations who do not have access to high mobile or wired connectivity.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Elon Musk and his company SpaceX have provided no less than 25,000 antennas to the country, to provide crucial connectivity in times of war. So obviously, the accusation that Russian forces are now exploiting this network highlights the complexity of the technological issues in an ongoing conflict. But how did Russia manage to obtain these terminals?
You should know that the Starlink network is blocked in Russia. So, Ukrainian military bloggers suggest that Moscow may have acquired antennas from third countries. History of circumventing the restrictions and being able to use the devices on enemy soil, in Ukraine.
Elon Musk and Ukraine, a complex relationship
The stakes of such a diversion are more than high. The Ukrainian authorities are trying by all means to maintain and protect the confidentiality of military communications, a mission that has been so difficult since the February 2022 invasion.
In any case, these allegations will not help warm up relations between Ukraine and Elon Musk, which remain complex. The link between the country and the billionaire is formed between gratitude for having deployed satellites and antennas, and indignation over controversial proposals. Remember that the owner of Tesla had proposed an exchange of territories as a peace solution. He also created controversy by claiming to have stopped a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea, near Crimea annexed by Moscow, by refusing Kiev access to the Starlink network.
The alleged use of Starlink by Russian forces therefore adds an unexpected technological dimension to the war in Ukraine. The question of the security of these networks is at the center of the game today.
€516.50
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- High-speed Internet (almost) everywhere
- Ease of installation
- Excellent flow rates
Whatever we think of Elon Musk, his bet seems to have paid off. The thousands of French people who are not lucky enough to be able to connect to optical fiber or even ADSL now have the possibility of connecting to high-speed Internet.
Starlink offers an easy-to-install kit, an intuitive and complete application to guide the user during setup. The only constraint will be to provide a means of routing the cable between the exterior antenna and the interior of your home. You will also need to find a clear location to ensure optimal performance.
Certainly the cost of purchasing the kit (€450) is significant, but the rental offer at €50/month (equipment + package) opens the door to broadband for thousands of French people in white zones, for a cost close to the fiber optic offers. Performance is behind the best fibers, but is perfectly in line with all modern uses of the Internet.
Whatever we think of Elon Musk, his bet seems to have paid off. The thousands of French people who are not lucky enough to be able to connect to optical fiber or even ADSL now have the possibility of connecting to high-speed Internet.
Starlink offers an easy-to-install kit, an intuitive and complete application to guide the user during setup. The only constraint will be to provide a means of routing the cable between the exterior antenna and the interior of your home. You will also need to find a clear location to ensure optimal performance.
Certainly the cost of purchasing the kit (€450) is significant, but the rental offer at €50/month (equipment + package) opens the door to broadband for thousands of French people in white zones, for a cost close to the fiber optic offers. Performance is behind the best fibers, but is perfectly in line with all modern uses of the Internet.
Source : West France
Starlink
Network devices
release date: 10-05-2021
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