Deutsche Telekom offers Starlink satellite internet for large customers

Deutsche Telekom, as the only network operator nationwide, offers satellite-based Starlink broadband internet from Elon Musk as a fully managed service for large customers and organizations, according to its own statements.

According to the Bonn-based telecommunications giant, the new service "Satellite Internet Access by Starlink" (SIA) is intended to strengthen the reliability of broadband connections for large customers and public sector organizations. SIA is intended to ensure "connectivity at locations where fiber optic and mobile communications are not yet fully available or where additional redundancy is required," explains the company.

In contrast to the local network infrastructure, a satellite connection remains stable even if terrestrial lines such as mobile communications, DSL or fiber optics fail. "If the primary supply fails, seamless supply can be established with the help of SIA," emphasizes Telekom, highlighting the advantage. This would particularly benefit time- and business-critical processes "for which every minute of downtime counts."

"Sky as a backup line"

"With Starlink, the sky becomes a backup line," says Klaus Werner, Managing Director of Business Customers Telekom Deutschland. "The offer ensures availability precisely where it is essential for operations: on large construction sites, in remote regions or in crisis situations," he further states.

Although companies can procure and operate Starlink antennas themselves without Telekom, Telekom offers a "turnkey overall package from a single source" with its service. The network operator acts as the central point of contact and is responsible for installation, network connection, and service. Furthermore, stable connection is to be guaranteed even with high utilization through prioritized business capacities. However, Starlink also offers this with direct booking of a business access.

In addition, system specialists will accompany the ongoing operation upon request and be available directly on-site if necessary. Billing is not done through Starlink, but through the Telekom bill. A pilot project shows that the system works: a brewery chain has connected a new location in eastern Germany while fiber optic expansion is still underway there.

Telekom does not offer data flat rates for SIA: Instead, companies can purchase data packages from 50 GByte to 10 TByte. Depending on network load, the Starlink network offers up to 400 Mbit/s download and 40 Mbit/s upload with a latency of 20 to 60 milliseconds. Telekom does not disclose prices; directly with Starlink, it starts at 46 euros per month for 50 GByte – according to the company, this offer is primarily aimed at small businesses for "backup connectivity."

Beyond the connection for large customers, Telekom is also working with Starlink to close gaps in mobile coverage in ten European countries in the future – including Germany. With the help of satellite communication, suitable smartphones will be able to maintain a connection even in classic dead zones in the future. The services are expected to be available from 2028.

(afl)