While it has fewer than one-tenth of Starlink's satellites, Eutelsat is being floated as a potential replacement if Starlink access is cut.

Suggestions that Ukraine could lose access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system, which has been vital in maintaining its military communications as it fights Russia's invasion, have focused investor interest on Starlink's smaller European rival Eutelsat.

Eutelsat said it was in talks with European governments about providing additional satellite connectivity in Ukraine, as investors bet that the French satellite operator could replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in the country.

Eutelsat said it was in talks with European governments about providing additional satellite connectivity in Ukraine, as investors bet the French satellite operator could replace Elon Musk’s Starlink in the country.

Joanna Darlington, Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer for Eutelsat, told The Register that, over Europe, Eutelsat offers the same capabilities as Starlink in terms of coverage and latency, and the company's LEO services were already deployed in Ukraine.

French satellite operator Eutelsat may become an analogue of Elon Musk's Starlink.Financial Times reported this.The company is negotiating with European

Shares in Franco-British satellite operator Eutelsat rose on Thursday, bringing gains over four days to near 650 per cent in a rally that bears the hallmarks of retail traders amplifying moves on a highly shorted stock.

As the Trump administration pressures Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in peace talks, commanders fear their Starlink battlefield internet could be the next victim.