Tesla sales are dropping, X is losing users, and now even Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, is facing cracks in its customer base.
Starlink has been growing in popularity, especially in remote areas where other broadband options are unreliable. However, some users are now voicing frustrations over Musk’s political actions, with a few even saying they will stop using the service.
Customers Question Starlink’s Future
One such user, Barry Nisbet, a Scottish musician and sailor, said Musk’s public support for Donald Trump was the final straw. He admitted that canceling Starlink would be a disadvantage but felt he could no longer support the company.
“I’ve been uncomfortable for a while,” he told The Guardian. “The role he played in the U.S. election and his growing monopoly bother me.”
Despite Starlink’s dominance, some European users are looking at alternatives. Eutelsat, the French company behind OneWeb, has seen its stock rise by 500% since political tensions between Trump and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, escalated. The company’s CEO told Bloomberg that OneWeb could replace Starlink in key regions like Ukraine within months.
Meanwhile, Viasat, which owns UK-based Inmarsat, is reportedly in talks with European governments about offering an alternative.
Mixed Reactions from UK Users
In the UK, Starlink is a lifeline for many rural homes and businesses with poor broadband access. However, some customers are rethinking their loyalty.
Richard Opie, a consultant in Northumberland, said he signed up for Starlink during the pandemic because BT couldn’t handle the demand. Now, he’s debating whether to keep using it.
“It’s been a godsend in rural areas, but Musk has changed. With Tesla showrooms getting attacked and his ties to Trump, I’m uncomfortable supporting him,” he said.
On a Starlink UK User’s Group forum, Nisbet’s decision to cancel sparked debate. Some users, like Mel Sayer, agreed.
“I won’t stay at Trump’s hotels because I don’t want to give him a penny,” she said. “I feel the same about funding ‘President Musk’ after that salute.”
Others, like Mike Brown, want to leave Starlink but feel stuck. “Amazon is launching a rival service, but not until next year. I’ll switch as soon as I can,” he said.
Still, some are standing by Starlink. Paul Feakins, a consultant from West Sussex, dismissed the backlash.
“People use Starlink because they need it. These idiots think canceling it is making a statement, but they have no other option,” he said.
Starlink’s Popularity and Pricing Changes
Despite the controversy, Starlink’s growth in the UK has been rapid. The number of subscribers jumped from 13,000 three years ago to 87,000 last year.
Due to high demand in some regions, Starlink has even introduced a “congestion charge” for users in heavily subscribed areas. The company provides high-speed satellite broadband, with UK plans starting at £75 per month and hardware costing £299.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine Under Scrutiny
Outside the UK, Starlink is widely known for its role in Ukraine’s defense efforts. Musk sent terminals to the country after Russia’s invasion in 2022, helping Kyiv maintain battlefield communications.
However, concerns are growing over Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink. According to Reuters, U.S. negotiators recently warned Ukraine that access to Starlink could be cut off. Musk himself tweeted, “Their entire frontline would collapse if I turned it off.”
As political tensions rise and alternatives emerge, the future of Starlink’s user base remains uncertain.
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