The EU’s push for its own satellite internet is a boon for startups and security
The EU has reached a deal to build a €6 billion satellite internet system, driven by pressure from the bloc to boost its space and communications sectors while ensuring internet security by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
This initiative was first proposed in February 2022, but only the European Parliament and the Commission reached a provisional agreement on Thursday.
This new plan comes amid growing concerns about Russian and Chinese military advances in space and a spate of satellite launches.
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In response, the bloc of 27 countries wants to regain its strategic internet autonomy and space competitiveness.
“The secure connectivity program will build a multi-orbital constellation of hundreds of satellites, which will meet the EU’s need for secure communications services and support our position as one of the major players in space,” said Martin Kupka, Czech Minister of Transport, in the accompanying press release.
To achieve this goal, the EU will deploy its own satellite constellation called “IRIS2” (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite).
Perhaps the biggest benefit IRIS2 will bring to the table is fast broadband internet access for all users across Europe.
“Our new connectivity infrastructure will provide high-speed internet access, back up our current internet infrastructure, increase our resilience and cybersecurity, and provide connectivity across Europe and Africa,” said Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton when the project was first announced.
“It will be a truly pan-European project that will allow our many startups and Europe as a whole to be at the forefront of technology innovation,” he added.
Facilitating reliable and fast internet connectivity could even provide the right technical infrastructure that companies need to achieve or enhance their digitization, especially in areas where there are still major obstacles.
And this potential competitive advantage could be further enhanced by a secure proprietary internet system, which minimizes the risk of data interception by dangerous third parties.
To fund this promising scheme, the Commission aims to divert €2.4 billion from various EU projects, with the private sector expected to contribute the remaining €3.6 billion.
Although the project needs to be approved by the 27 EU Member States, it is safe to say that its implementation would play a vital role in Europe’s digital transformation, cyber sovereignty and competitiveness.
