French satellite operator Eutelsat reported worse-than-expected first quarter revenues on Tuesday as a decline in sales at its video business offset strong demand for government services, notably in Ukraine.
Satellite operator Eutelsat must secure investment from more European countries to bolster its efforts to challenge billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink, EU lawmakers and analysts say following a commitment by France.
French satellite operator Eutelsat reported better-than-expected annual earnings on Tuesday, driven by growing interest in its satellite internet services from government and corporate customers.
France's Eutelsat is often touted as a European challenger to Elon Musk's Starlink. The satellite operator last week received more than 1 billion euros in an investment led by the French state.
Eutelsat is strategically vital for Europe's digital and defense sovereignty, serving as the only domestic alternative to Starlink for secure satellite communications. The recent €1 billion French Armed Forces contract and €1.35 billion equity raise, led by the French government, underscore strong state support and commitment to Eutelsat. The 'EU Government Put' thesis suggests limited downside risk, as European governments are unlikely to let Eutelsat fail given its critical role.
Eutelsat shares soared after the company said it was considering a capital increase of 1.35 billion euros ($1.55 billion) to support its long-term strategy.
Starlink rival Eutelsat's shares rallied after the French government backed a capital raise. Eutelsat shares have been hugely volatile this year, experiencing an enormous spike in March.
Fallacher will join Eutelsat from Orange, amid growing interest within the EU for alternative satellite systems to Starlink.
Berlin has been paying for Ukraine's access to a satellite-internet network operated by France's Eutelsat , as Europe seeks alternatives to Elon Musk's Starlink.
French media regulator Arcom has ordered Eutelsat to cease broadcasting Russian channels STS and Channel 5, after a probe revealed the satellite provider's commercial agreements had links to a sanctioned entity.
Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat, discusses how the company can offer an alternative to Starlink in providing low orbit satellites in Ukraine, and explains how European funding can boost the company's financial profile.
France's Arcom will rule on Eutelsat's compliance with European sanctions against Russia soon, the broadcasting authority told Reuters, following requests from several NGOs that it should take action against the satellite provider.