Musk disputes Ukrainian claim that SpaceX limited Starlink speeds for military
A Ukrainian defence advisor says SpaceX capped in-motion Starlink speeds. Musk says Starshield limits are set by the U.S. government.
SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has disputed an accusation from a Ukrainian defence advisor that the company limited Ukraine's access to Starlink. Musk said any limits on Starshield, the Starlink variant owned by the U.S. government, are set by the U.S. government.
Serhii Beskrestnov, who advises Ukraine's Ministry of Defence on defence technology, said in a Telegram statement that SpaceX put a speed limit on Starlink terminals while in motion. He said it applied to the Starshield military version at speeds over 100 mph. "Our defense forces were not given notice of this limit, and this has resulted in the disruption of a number of missions," he said.
Beskrestnov said Starlink is used in interceptors that defend against Russian Shahed jets. NBC News reported further instances of Starlink connectivity problems in Ukraine that disrupted drone control.
Musk said Starshield is owned and operated by the U.S. government. "Any limits on speed or usage are decided by the U.S. military and ultimately POTUS," he said, referring to the President of the United States. Musk did not confirm or deny whether restrictions exist on Starshield service.
Sourcesatellitetoday.com