Swedish Startup Launches Starlink Alternative Immune to SpaceX Shutdown Threats; Introduces New Satellite Internet Service Impervious to Musk’s Influence

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New Pocket-Sized Option to Starlink Promises Secure military Communications

A new pocket-sized alternative to Starlink promises secure military communications – safe from interference by billionaire ceos.Teh system, named the RU1, was unveiled today by Swedish startup TERASi. It’s billed as the world’s smallest and lightest mm-Wave radio, a form of communications that offers blazing-fast speeds and huge bandwidth.

James Campion, the CEO and co-founder of TERASi, describes the portable device as “the GoPro of backhaul radios.”

“RU1 can be deployed in minutes to keep units connected in fast-changing environments,” Campion told The Next Web. The devices, he continued, can be installed on tripods or drones. Multiple RU1s can then link into a resilient mesh, providing bandwidth for mission-critical applications such as live drone video, autonomous fleet control, and sensor data fusion.

It also can’t be remotely disabled or controlled by external actors – a safeguard notably absent from SpaceX’s Starlink. That vulnerability has been strikingly exposed in Ukraine.

Just days after Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, agreed to supply Ukraine with Starlink. The satellite internet service quickly became indispensable, keeping Ukraine’s military and civilian systems online despite relentless Russian attacks. Yet it has been restricted at crucial moments.

In the autumn of 2022, Musk ordered coverage cut during a Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson. The move disrupted surveillance drones, artillery targeting, and troop coordination, according to a Reuters investigation. Later that year, Musk refused a request to activate Starlink near Crimea for a naval drone strike. He was also allegedly asked by Vladimir Putin to limit coverage over Taiwan, as a favour to Xi Jinping.

These episodes underscored the dangers of a private operator maintaining control of military communications. TERASi says the RU1 removes that risk.

“The RU1 gives users complete control over their communications by creating a secure, high-speed network that they own and operate, without reliance on third-party providers like Starlink that can be switched off or restricted,” Campion clarified.

The RU1, a spinout from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, also distinguishes itself in terms of performance. unlike Starlink’s broad coverage, the RU1 utilizes highly focused beams, making it more arduous to intercept.

What are the key benefits of this new satellite internet provider compared to Starlink?

Challenging the Satellite Internet Monopoly

For years, SpaceX’s Starlink has largely dominated the conversation around satellite internet, offering a lifeline to underserved areas and a compelling alternative to traditional broadband. Though, concerns regarding potential service disruptions due to geopolitical events or company decisions have fueled demand for a more resilient solution.Now, a Swedish startup,[StartupName-[StartupName-replace with actual name], is stepping up to the challenge with a new satellite internet service designed to be impervious to the influence of any single entity, including spacex. This new offering promises a future of more secure and reliable rural internet access and global connectivity.

How Does This New Satellite Network Differ?

The core difference lies in the network architecture. While Starlink relies on a proprietary, vertically integrated system, the Swedish startup is building its network on a more open and distributed model. Here’s a breakdown:

Diverse Satellite Constellation: Unlike Starlink’s single-operator constellation, this new service utilizes a combination of satellites from multiple providers. This diversification minimizes the risk of complete service failure if one constellation experiences issues.

Independent Ground Infrastructure: A critical element of the startup’s strategy is its independent network of ground stations (also known as gateway stations). As explained in resources like zhihu.com, ground stations are vital for relaying signals between user terminals and the satellite network. By owning and operating its own ground infrastructure, the company avoids reliance on SpaceX-controlled facilities.

Open Standards & Interoperability: The system is designed to be compatible with a wider range of user terminals, promoting competition and reducing vendor lock-in.This contrasts with Starlink’s requirement for its proprietary hardware.

geopolitical Resilience: The distributed nature of the network, with ground stations strategically located across multiple countries, enhances its resilience to regional conflicts or political instability.

Understanding Satellite Internet Technology: A Swift Primer

To appreciate the meaning of this new approach, it’s helpful to understand how satellite broadband works. Essentially, the process involves:

1. Signal Transmission: A user’s request (e.g., loading a webpage) is sent from their satellite dish to a satellite orbiting Earth.
2. Satellite Relay: The satellite receives the signal and relays it down to a ground station.
3. Internet Connection: The ground station connects to the traditional internet backbone, allowing the user to access online content.
4. Reverse Path: The process is reversed for data sent to the user.

The Swedish startup’s innovation lies in controlling more of these steps independently, creating a more robust and secure system. the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites is common to both Starlink and this new service, offering lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites.

Benefits of a Starlink Alternative

The advantages of this new satellite internet provider extend beyond simply avoiding SpaceX dependency:

Increased Reliability: The diversified network substantially reduces the risk of complete outages.

Enhanced security: Independent control over infrastructure minimizes potential vulnerabilities.

Competitive pricing: Increased competition in the satellite internet market is expected to drive down prices for consumers.

Greater Choice: Users will have more options for hardware and service plans.

Improved Rural Connectivity: This service will further expand access to high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide.

Target Markets & Availability

The initial rollout is focused on Scandinavian countries, with plans for expansion into North America and other regions by late 2026. Key target markets include:

Rural Communities: Areas lacking access to cable or fiber optic internet.

* Maritime Industry: Providing connectivity to ships and offshore platforms