Russia v. Starlink Internet Service

Russia is considering introduction of penalties for all those citizens and companies that will use Internet services from Western countries. The new regulation should stand in the way of services such as Starlink from Space X, but also the Internet offer that comes from companies such as OneWeb, and all companies whose satellite constellations do not belong to Russia.

According to the latter reports fines for individuals using the Internet “from the west” could range between $ 135 and $ 405, and for companies from $ 6,750 to $ 13,500. Members of the Duma believe that free access to the Internet endangered the system within which internet connections and mobile communication are monitored. It is emphasized that Russian internet traffic must go through Russian providers, in order to preserve the security of citizens from Western internet services.

It is not surprising that Russia got in the way of Starlink on its way to success, since it did Space X is already seen as the biggest rival in space action. The problem with OneWeb is somewhat more interesting, primarily because Russian Soyuz rockets are used to launch satellites, but it is assumed that any competition is undesirable, since Russia is also planning its constellation by name. Sphere which would with the launch of satellites was supposed to begin in 2024.

Source: Ars Technica