Starlink's major outage: Millions of customers affected!

Starlink's major outage: Millions of customers affected!

On July 25, 2025, there was a widespread outage of the Starlink satellite communications service for approximately two and a half hours. Customers worldwide reported significant disruptions caused by software issues on the network, a SpaceX executive confirmed. Starlink, which operates thousands of satellites in low orbit above Earth, provides access to internet services to many users in remote areas where traditional cellular connections are lacking.

This service has also taken on a significant role in Ukraine, where the traditional telecommunications infrastructure has been severely damaged by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Various airlines also rely on Starlink to offer their passengers internet access during flights. The recent outage is not the first incident of its kind - similar issues have been reported in the past, but such outages are rare overall.

Developments in satellite communications

The concept of satellite communications is gaining importance worldwide, particularly as a complement to terrestrial networks. In Germany, 5G mobile phone coverage is already over 98 percent, but the need for innovative solutions for hard-to-reach areas still remains. Around 13,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth and there is a clear trend towards lower orbits (LEO satellites). These satellites, which fly at altitudes between 500 and 1,000 km, require larger numbers for comprehensive coverage, but offer lower latencies compared to geostationary satellites (GEO).

The German telecommunications provider Deutsche Telekom emphasizes that satellite communication should not be seen as a stopgap solution, but as a valuable addition to the digital infrastructure. The integration of these technologies could also lead to the development of new services, such as the direct-to-handset service currently under development. In the United States, where many rural areas are cut off from network coverage, the need for such satellite solutions is increasing even more.

Competition in the market

Starlink also faces competition from other providers, including Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' company, which is working on its own service called Project Kuiper. However, this is still in its early stages. Germany and the EU are relying on technological innovations to build a secure satellite network that ensures digital sovereignty, as shown by the planned IRIS² project, in which Deutsche Telekom is actively involved.

The future of telecommunications will increasingly be characterized by the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, with developments in satellite communications playing a central role. Frequencies are crucial for radio communication, with specific frequency bands such as the Ku-band being used for broadband services via satellites.

Overall, the recent Starlink incident shows how vulnerable even modern technologies can be. Nevertheless, the satellite service remains an essential solution for many and will continue to play an important role in the digital infrastructure in the future.

For more information about developments in satellite communications, read more on Vienna.at and Telekom.de.