Ukraine is working on domestic alternative to Starlink

In Ukraine, a domestic alternative to Starlink and TOOWAY is being developed under the name UASAT, though the system has several nuances to consider.

Source: Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, military radio technology expert

Details: Flash explained that Ukraine does not yet have its own communications satellite capable of providing high-speed Internet services and positioned in geostationary orbit. However, UASAT has signed an agreement with satellite service provider HughesNet, allowing it to provide subleasing services. In the future, with a large enough number of clients, UASAT could rent transponders (parts of satellite communication systems) entirely.

"The satellite providing the service covers Ukraine with nine beams. It is positioned high enough for easy alignment. The satellite azimuth is approximately 240-270 degrees," Flash notes.

Regarding the terminals, engineers at the company used existing foreign components and assembled satellite communication kits, adding a Ukrainian mechanical satellite tracking system and a Ukrainian power system.

The Ukrainian system offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps. The price of a domestically produced terminal is US$2,500, and traffic fees start at UAH 2,500 (about US$60) for several tens of GB. For unlimited data, the cost reaches UAH 20,000 (about US$470) — significantly more expensive than the American Starlink.

There is a possibility of signal jamming. According to Flash, geostationary satellites can be disrupted by Russian electronic warfare systems.

Among the disadvantages, he highlighted the high cost of services and terminals, noticeable antennas, and signal latency. Advantages include being an alternative to Starlink, fast and convenient Ukrainian technical support, the possibility of local terminal assembly, and, in the future, the ability to rent an entire satellite or parts of it.

"Ukraine could certainly benefit from another local satellite Internet provider as an alternative to Starlink. However, the high cost of UASAT terminals and services limits the user base to corporate clients and government agencies. Its use on the front lines is limited," Flash concluded.

Background: Earlier reports noted that Starlink struggles at the front due to insufficient Internet bandwidth for ground robotic systems. Starlink terminals installed on these vehicles provide data transfer of only around 10 Mbps, resulting in poor video quality and difficulties in control.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!