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World seeks wider web as US dominates satellite internet

07:36

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Leonore Busch
June 5, 2026

Internet via satellite is a booming industry, but services are mainly offered by US companies. Does the rest of the world really want to rely on them?

Satellite internet connections such as those offered by Starlink offer vital connectivity for remote areas but raise concerns about private control of critical infrastructure.

With SpaceX dominating launches and operating most satellites, Elon Musk holds unprecedented influence — even affecting warfare, as seen in Ukraine.

Experts have warned about reliability, accountability and dependence on individual providers. Services in Europe are developing alternatives, but, for now, the risks of concentrated power in an unregulated space economy continue.

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