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With satellites 35 km from Earth and technology used in pay TV, “Kulisa” tries to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink, which operates with more than 4.500 satellites in low orbit.
Belarus has entered the fray to take on Elon Musk’s Starlink, or so they say. A new system, called Kulisa, has been touted as a “competitor” to the revolutionary satellite internet technology. But is it really all that? Let’s understand the context and find out what’s behind this new development.
The scenario behind Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko
Alexander Lukashenko is a curious figure to say the least. President of Belarus since 1994, he is known for his authoritarian stance and for aligning himself with the government of Vladimir Putin. Under his leadership, Belarus has become one of the most isolated countries in the world, with tight control of the media and repression of dissenting voices.
With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Lukashenko followed Putin's playbook. Although Belarus has not directly entered the conflict, the country acts as a strategic ally of Russia. One example of this is the use of Belarusian territory as a base for Russian nuclear weapons. And now, the focus is on technology: entering the dispute with Starlink, which has been vital for Ukraine.
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Elon Musk's Starlink: The Game-Changing Connection
Since the beginning of the war, Starlink has proven to be a game-changer. While traditional satellite communications systems have been hacked, Elon Musk’s technology has kept Ukraine connected. It has enabled both communication between troops and control of drones on the battlefield, creating a significant strategic advantage.
Starlink operates with satellites in low orbit, significantly reducing response time (ping). In contrast, geostationary satellites are more than 35 kilometers above sea level, causing delays that make them unfeasible for use in applications such as drones and real-time communication. This technological difference is what keeps Starlink ahead.
Kulisa System
The Kulisa system, announced by Belarus, promises to be a local alternative to Starlink. But in practice, it uses geostationary satellites, the same technology model that has been around for decades. The equipment presented includes a Ku-band antenna, similar to those used in cable TV, and a portable battery to keep it running.
The difference between the two systems is striking. While Starlink is capable of operating on the move, whether on drones or ships, Kulisa relies on a fixed, directional connection. Furthermore, Kulisa’s response time is extremely high, making it unviable for modern applications.
The reality behind “Belarusian Starlink”
Kulisa seems more like a marketing ploy than a real solution. The system presented is not capable of competing with Starlink, either in terms of technology or range. It is like comparing a bicycle to a Formula 1 car: both have wheels, but the similarity ends there.
In authoritarian regimes like Lukashenko’s, the media is used as a propaganda tool. The Kulisa launch was widely publicized as a technological milestone, but without any critical analysis. This raises a question: to what extent can we trust information coming from countries with restrictions on press freedom?
In the end, Kulisa is far from being a real threat to Elon Musk's Starlink. While Belarus tries to position itself as a technological powerhouse, the lack of infrastructure and innovation limits the scope of its ambitions.
One has been in orbit for years, the other falls almost every day and has to be replaced all the time.
I use it in the middle of a forest far from cities, the closest one is 100km away.
I have never, ever been without internet.
Starlink has saved businesses, schools and rescues when needed.