Ukraine Satellite Links Hit Full 400 km/h Speeds
Military connectivity returned to pre-restriction levels by 24 October after days of throttling that hindered drone operations.
By Layla Fontaine ·
Ukrainian satellite communications reached full operational capacity by the morning of 24 October, ending a period of reduced bandwidth that affected military logistics. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the restoration in a video address, stating that Starlink and Starshield systems are now functioning at their pre-restriction speeds.
The Ministry of Defence reported that it registered stable connection speeds exceeding 400 km/h. Prior to the final restoration, defence forces and ministry experts recorded the systems operating at speeds above 161 km/h overnight. Zelenskyy noted that the speed increase began during the night and reached the necessary level for military use by morning.
The president highlighted the impact of the restored speeds on frontline logistics and the defense against jet-powered Shahed drones. He credited individuals who assisted in re-establishing the communication links. Zelenskyy stated, "Now we have the speed we need," referring to the return of the systems to their previous performance levels.
The disruption had limited Ukraine's ability to utilize drones in several sectors along the line of contact. Zelenskyy previously reported that equipment was restricted to speeds between 130 and 161 km/h. The technical adjustments allowed for faster data transmission, which is essential for real-time coordination and targeting.
The bandwidth limitations prompted political discussion regarding the management of the satellite networks. On 16 October, US President Donald Trump stated that the White House was not involved in limiting Ukraine's use of the systems. Reports from The Telegraph indicated that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had discussed the possibility of restricting bandwidth with Trump.
The restoration of full speeds marks the end of the recent operational constraints. The Ministry of Defence's official confirmation aligns with Zelenskyy's public statement. The systems now operate without the speed caps that were in place for several days.
