Key facts
- Senators are investigating Starlink speed restrictions imposed between October 12 and 14.
- The restrictions reportedly limited drone speeds to 100mph, affecting connectivity.
- Senators are concerned about disruptions to intelligence-sharing and threat-warning capabilities.
A bipartisan group of US senators has requested an investigation into reported disruptions of SpaceX's Starlink internet service in Ukraine. The senators expressed "grave concern" over speed restrictions imposed between October 12 and 14, which they believe may have hampered Ukraine's ability to conduct defensive operations against Russian drone and missile attacks. The letter, sent to the US Department of Defense inspector general, seeks to determine if the US defense department or its contractors were responsible for the alleged slowdown. Elon Musk stated on X that Starshield systems, which rely on Starlink, are controlled by the US government and that any usage limits are decided by the US military and the president. The senators also voiced alarm over disruptions affecting intelligence-sharing and threat-warning capabilities, citing incidents where personnel were unable to reach safety during Russian air raids.