US to buy Starlink terminals for Ukraine that Musk won't be able to disconnect: Report

In a significant move aimed at bolstering Ukraine's communication capabilities, the Pentagon has given the green light to a groundbreaking agreement with SpaceX to purchase Starlink, the satellite internet service, for the Eastern European nation.

Under this agreement, the founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk, will not have the authority to disconnect the service, providing Ukraine with a critical lifeline for uninterrupted communication.

Citing sources familiar with the contract, The New York Times reported that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the purchase of 400 to 500 new Starlink terminals and services in June 2023. The key feature of this deal is that the Pentagon will gain control over the Starlink signal settings within Ukraine's territory, ensuring that the new devices can effectively fulfill their objectives.

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The primary motive behind this arrangement is to equip Ukraine with reliable terminals and services that will enable it to carry out crucial tasks without the looming fear of communication disruptions. The move comes in the wake of past instances where Elon Musk had disconnected access to some Starlink terminals in Ukraine.

Notably, about 1,300 Starlink terminals, acquired through a British supplier, ceased functioning in the country at the end of 2022 due to the government's inability to make monthly payments amounting to $2,500 per terminal.

Starlink access also underwent alterations based on the ebb and flow of the war, with Russia's territorial advancements leading to geolocation-based restrictions on the service. This approach posed challenges, especially during military offensives, where internet access was critical for communication purposes. Ukrainian troops, during attempts to recapture cities in Russian-controlled regions, requested that service be reinstated in areas they were advancing into, leading to direct communication with Mr. Musk and SpaceX employees.

Presently, more than 42,000 Starlink terminals are being utilized in Ukraine, serving various stakeholders such as the military, hospitals, businesses, and humanitarian organizations.

With the new Pentagon-approved deal, Ukraine seeks to secure a reliable communication infrastructure that can withstand the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts and ensure constant connectivity for essential operations.