BT to hold off Starlink launch until Ukraine 'noise' dies down, CEO says
BTI•BT CEO Allison Kirkby said the company will wait for controversy over Starlink’s role in Ukraine to subside before proactively launching its partnership. BT had said services were initially slated to be available by the end of 2026, while Kirkby said they would launch “in the coming months.”
1. Launch timing
BT will not proactively launch its partnership with Starlink until the “noise” over disruptions to the satellite communications system in Ukraine subsides, CEO Allison Kirkby said. She described the service as “ready to launch” but said BT was “cautious on how Starlink might be viewed at the moment considering what happened in Ukraine.”
2. Ukraine controversy
Starlink’s role in the war came under scrutiny after speed restrictions hindered efforts to intercept Russian drones and forced some operations to be cancelled. Ukraine uses Starlink for battlefield communications and drone operations.
3. Partnership plans
BT announced its partnership with Starlink last year, with services initially slated to be available by the end of 2026. Kirkby also said BT would launch satellite broadband with Starlink “in the coming months.”
