Europe Satellite Merger: No Starlink Rival
EuropeS bid to rival Starlink faces a hurdle! The anticipated merger of SES and Intelsat, valued at $3.1 billion, is highly likely to receive EU approval, but the move’s impact is less certain. While this strategic alliance aims at bolstering europe’s presence in the competitive satellite internet market, it still lags significantly behind Starlink’s vast network and launch capabilities. The combined entity, with over 100 geostationary satellites, strives to offer a viable alternative to Starlink, addressing European tech sovereignty concerns. News Directory 3 understands the EU is keen on reducing dependence on a single provider. However, the SES/Intelsat duo must overcome important disadvantages, including reliance on third-party launches. Discover what’s next as Europe reshapes its place in the satellite internet landscape!
SES-Intelsat Merger Aims to Challenge Starlink in Satellite Internet
Updated June 05, 2025
A proposed $3.1 billion acquisition could reshape the satellite internet landscape. Luxembourg-based SES’s takeover of Intelsat is poised to receive the green light from EU officials, according to Reuters, potentially by June 10. This move aims to create a stronger European competitor to Starlink, amid growing concerns over tech sovereignty.
SES announced its plans to acquire Intelsat in April 2024, touting the deal as a “transformational merger.” The combined entity would boast a fleet of more than 100 geostationary and 26 medium Earth orbit satellites. Intelsat contributes 75 satellites, providing services ranging from TV and radio to secure government and military communications.
The SES-intelsat tie-up would establish Europe’s second-largest satellite internet provider, trailing only Eutelsat. Other European contenders include Inmarsat and Hisdesat. Together, these firms could offer alternatives to Starlink and Amazon’s Project kuiper, notably as tech sovereignty gains importance in Europe.
European leaders have voiced increasing unease about relying on Starlink. Reports surfaced that U.S. officials threatened to cut off Starlink access in Ukraine over mineral wealth disputes. This situation has amplified concerns about the security implications of relying on a single, privately owned network.
Despite the merger, the new alliance faces a significant challenge against Starlink’s dominance in satellite numbers. Starlink has over 7,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), dwarfing Eutelsat’s 600. Amazon’s Project kuiper plans to deploy 3,236 satellites.
Starlink’s integration with SpaceX provides direct access to satellite manufacturing and launch capabilities. SES and Intelsat, however, rely on third-party launch providers and lack a proprietary LEO network. Intelsat’s $250 million agreement to access Eutelsat’s LEO capacity highlights this disadvantage.
Even combined with other European players, the SES-Intelsat merger remains comparatively small. While it represents a step toward strategic autonomy in space, it falls short of becoming a true Starlink rival.
What’s next
The European Commission is expected to announce its decision on the SES-Intelsat merger by June 10. The combined company will then need to execute its integration strategy and compete effectively against Starlink and other emerging players in the satellite internet market.