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Main story: Greenland’s state-owned telecom company Tusass has decided to partner with the French satellite operator Eutelsat rather than Elon Musk’s Starlink to improve internet access in East and North Greenland.
Key points:
Goal: The deal aims to provide better and faster internet in remote areas like Tasiilaq, Ittoqqortoormiit, and Qaanaaq, which currently lack fiber or radio link connections.
Technology: Tusass will use Eutelsat’s OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which orbit closer to Earth and offer better connectivity for isolated regions.
Benefits:
Improved communication for local communities.
Support for critical infrastructure, such as maritime safety and emergency services.
Enables satellite-based mobile internet for search-and-rescue operations and ships.
Why not Starlink?
Tusass had been negotiating with Starlink, but chose Eutelsat instead.
Tusass’ CEO, Toke Binzer, said the decision was based on an existing, trusted relationship with Eutelsat — not because one company is “better.”
Tusass is under a confidentiality agreement (NDA) with Starlink, so it can’t share details, but the company hasn’t fully closed the door on future talks with Musk’s firm.
Wider context:
Greenland’s government wants to retain control over its critical telecom infrastructure and avoid becoming dependent on private foreign companies.
A 2023 Greenlandic government report warned that liberalizing the telecom market could risk losing national control over supply security.
The Danish government also recently announced new investments in European space independence — to reduce reliance on U.S. and SpaceX satellites.
In short: Greenland is prioritizing sovereignty and reliability by expanding its partnership with France’s Eutelsat rather than Starlink. The move strengthens internet access in remote communities while keeping telecom infrastructure under Greenlandic control
