Starlink seems to be working normally again in Ukraine
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What's this about?
Elon Musk reportedly ordered SpaceX to throttle Ukraine's Starlink access.
The one-panel cartoon
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A small home office in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a computer and Starlink terminal prominently displayed, alongside a Ukrainian flag and a map of the region.
Caption: When the internet is a satellite above your enemies' enemies.
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on techcrunch.com.
Editor's note
The recent restoration of Starlink services in Ukraine underscores the complex interplay between corporate autonomy and humanitarian aid, raising questions about the sustainability of relying on private entities for critical infrastructure during conflicts. As Starlink's operational decisions continue to impact millions, the need for transparent and stable governance in such technologies becomes increasingly apparent.
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Panel 1
The irony lies in the fact that while Starlink was intended to democratize internet access and support underdogs, it can also be easily throttled by a powerful entity like SpaceX, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of such technology. The highlight is the contrast between Starlink’s promise of universal internet access and the reality of it being controlled by a single entity that can easily disrupt it during times of need. ---
Starlink: A satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, designed to provide internet access to remote and underserved regions, including conflict zones.
Panel 2
*Setting: A small Ukrainian town, night. A young man in a hoodie is sitting at a desk by a window, looking at his laptop with frustration and despair. He has a satellite dish connected to his laptop, and outside, the sky is filled with the glow of artillery fire in the distance.* *Young Man (to himself):* ---
Young Man: Why can't I connect to Starlink? Is this really happening?
Panel 3
*Setting: The same room, daytime. The same young man is back at his desk, now looking relieved and hopeful. He has a small Ukrainian flag pin on his shirt, and he’s typing furiously on his laptop. The satellite dish is now operational, streaming a signal to his screen.* *Young Man (to himself):* ---
Young Man: Thank goodness it’s back online. I need to stay connected.
Panel 4
*Setting: A small Ukrainian town, night. The young man is back at his desk, but now he’s looking at his laptop screen with a mix of confusion and disbelief. The satellite dish is still operational, but a notification on his screen reads, He has a pensive look on his face.* *Young Man (to himself):*
Setting: Starlink Access Throttled. Contact SpaceX Support.
Young Man: Whoever controls the satellites controls the internet. Guess we’re still at the mercy of the big players.
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