Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, expressed concerns about European allies considering alternatives to Elon Musk’s Starlink. In remarks to the Financial Times, Carr noted that the influence of politics on long-term European decisions is regrettable. He urged that “allied Western democracies” should prioritize addressing the rising influence of the Chinese Communist Party instead.
Carr warned, “If you’re worried about Starlink, just wait until you see the CCP’s alternative — then you’ll really be concerned.” He emphasized that if Europe develops its satellite network, that would be beneficial. However, he pointed out that Europe is presently navigating a complex situation between the US and China and is at a critical juncture.
Starlink, owned by SpaceX, operates the largest global satellite constellation, featuring over 7,135 satellites that provide internet and limited mobile connectivity. Recently, several European nations and companies have paused negotiations for Starlink purchases, exploring other options after Musk indicated that disconnecting Ukraine’s access could jeopardize “the entire front line.”
Although there are emerging European competitors, experts note these alternatives may take years to catch up to Starlink. The leading contender, Eutelsat from France, currently operates only about one-tenth the number of satellites and charges significantly more for equipment compared to Starlink. Meanwhile, China’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operator, Spacesail, has plans to rapidly expand its fleet from approximately 90 current satellites to 15,000 by 2030, potentially positioning it as a formidable rival to Starlink.
In his statements to The Times, Carr articulated concerns about a widening technological divide between countries aligned with the Chinese Communist Party and those that are not. He remarked that Europe finds itself in a challenging position amid the geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
These remarks come during a time of strained relations between European nations and the US, particularly since the Trump administration’s close ties with influential US tech leaders. Carr highlighted a perceived bias among European regulators, who are currently investigating major US tech firms such as Meta, Apple, Google, and X. He further alleged that the European Commission’s stance reflects a protectionist and anti-American sentiment.
