The European Union has taken a significant step towards securing its own satellite-based internet connectivity, unveiling a €10.6 billion deal for the IRIS² constellation of 290 communication satellites. This ambitious project, set to be operational by 2030, aims to provide secure and high-speed internet access to governmental users, private companies, and European citizens, directly competing with SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

The IRIS² constellation, which stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite, will operate in both medium and low-earth orbit. This public-private partnership, led by European satellite network operators SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, along with European satcom subcontractors like Airbus and Deutsche Telekom, has been granted a 12-year concession contract to develop, deploy, and operate the IRIS² constellation.

The IRIS² project is expected to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas, often referred to as "dead zones," and provide a secure connectivity solution for critical infrastructures. According to Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, "This cutting-edge constellation will protect our critical infrastructures, connect our most remote areas and increase Europe's strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we are demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to all Europeans."

The EU's move to develop its own satellite-based internet connectivity comes as a response to the growing dominance of SpaceX's Starlink constellation, which has already launched over 7,000 satellites since 2018. In September, FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed her desire to see more competition in the satellite internet market, and the IRIS² project is poised to provide just that.

The implications of the IRIS² project are far-reaching, with the potential to increase Europe's strategic autonomy in the realm of satellite communications. By providing a secure and reliable connectivity solution, the EU can reduce its dependence on foreign satellite networks and ensure the integrity of its critical infrastructures. Additionally, the project is expected to drive innovation and create new opportunities for European companies and citizens.

As the IRIS² constellation begins to take shape, it will be interesting to see how it compares to SpaceX's Starlink in terms of performance, pricing, and adoption rates. One thing is certain, however – the EU's entry into the satellite internet market marks a significant shift in the global landscape of space technology and satellite communications.