BT won’t launch Starlink deal until people forget about Ukraine

BT has delayed launching its planned Starlink deal while public concern about Elon Musk’s actions in Ukraine settles. Chief executive Alison Kirkby said the company is cautious about how the partnership might be viewed after Musk intervened in Starlink service used by Ukraine’s military.

Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has supported Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. In October, Musk reportedly ordered the service to be slowed for Ukrainian forces, prompting international criticism and questions about his influence and reliability as a business partner. BT says the deal will still go ahead in the coming months and could significantly improve rural connectivity in the UK.