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Two years after an initial announcement, the European Union has finally awarded a contract to build a Starlink-like satellite internet network. But it might not begin serving users until 2030.
A consortium of European satellite providers—SES SA, Eutelsat, and Hispasat—will develop the IRIS² satellite network. Work can also subcontracted to other European companies.
The Commission didn't say how much it will cost, but European media outlets have reported that IRIS² could top €10 billion ($10.8 billion).
The 12-year contract will involve launching 290 satellites—a far smaller scope than the 6,000+ active Starlink satellites that SpaceX already operates. IRIS² must also start supplying satellite connectivity to government clients by 2030. The consortium says “full operational status” is currently targeted for the early 2030s.
In 2022, the Commission envisioned IRIS² kicking off an initial service stage by late 2024 with full service arriving in mid-2027. But the project has been struggling to take flight due to higher-than-expected cost estimates and conflicts over its development.
The Commission’s announcement also notes that its funding for IRIS² will only last through the end of 2027, which will force the EU to negotiate for more funds. As a result, some have called out IRIS² as wasteful, citing the existence of Starlink, which has been supplying high-speed internet access for the past four years.
Still, once the network is up-and-running, IRIS² promises to become a reliable way for EU member states to receive satellite connectivity without relying on a foreign company like SpaceX. CEO Elon Musk has faced criticism for restricting Starlink’s use in Ukrainian military operations against Russia and reportedly being in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin for years.