Amid Iberian Blackout, Starlink Usage Soars With New Strategic Feature

Written by Carla Teles

Published on 05/05/2025 at 22:31

Um apagão deixou partes da Espanha e Portugal no escuro, e muita gente correu para usar a internet via satélite da Starlink. Mesmo com o caos, ela continuou funcionando e virou solução rápida para se manter conectado.

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Power Outage Exposed Digital Vulnerabilities and Strengthened Role of Satellite Internet

The recent blackout that affected millions of people in Portugal and Spain revealed a new reality: while mobile networks collapsed, the use of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, grew significantly and established itself as a viable alternative during systemic crises, according to an analysis by the Financial Times.

Demand for Starlink Grows with Collapse of Mobile Networks

The power failure recorded on Monday (28) affected not only the supply of electricity but also caused a digital blackout in various regions of the Iberian Peninsula. Telephone antennas became inoperable, and only towers with emergency generators continued to function. In this scenario, Starlink was widely sought out by users looking for a stable connection. Data obtained by the Financial Times reveals a 35% increase in overall demand, with a peak of 60% in Spain.

Satellite Internet Withstands Overload and Maintains Operation

Even with the sudden increase in access numbers, the Starlink system remained functional. The network benefited from the ability to route traffic through ground stations in neighboring countries, such as Italy, which ensured continuity even with the increased demand. Although there was a temporary reduction in signal quality, the infrastructure demonstrated resilience, reinforcing its relevance as an emergency solution.

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Experts Point Out Structural Challenges and Role of Starlink

The power interruption exposed deficiencies in traditional digital infrastructures. Vodafone Spain activated generators at 70% of its antennas, but there were regions with only 20% coverage. Telefónica prioritized hospitals and emergency services, restoring 95% of its network in about 24 hours. In this context, Starlink stood out as a viable alternative, reinforcing discussions about the importance of technological diversification and rapid response capability in the face of large-scale failures.

Blackout and Dependence on Renewable Sources in Energy Debate

The exact cause of the blackout is still under investigation, but experts consulted by the Financial Times suggest that an overload in solar energy generation may have contributed to the collapse. The case highlights the need to balance the energy transition with security and stability of the system. In this context, Starlink emerges as an important complementary component, capable of providing support in critical situations.

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Amid Iberian Blackout, Starlink Usage Soars With New Strategic Feature

Power Outage Exposed Digital Vulnerabilities and Strengthened Role of Satellite Internet

Demand for Starlink Grows with Collapse of Mobile Networks

Satellite Internet Withstands Overload and Maintains Operation

Experts Point Out Structural Challenges and Role of Starlink

Blackout and Dependence on Renewable Sources in Energy Debate

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Amid Iberian Blackout, Starlink Usage Soars With New Strategic Feature

Power Outage Exposed Digital Vulnerabilities and Strengthened Role of Satellite Internet

Demand for Starlink Grows with Collapse of Mobile Networks

Satellite Internet Withstands Overload and Maintains Operation

Experts Point Out Structural Challenges and Role of Starlink

Blackout and Dependence on Renewable Sources in Energy Debate

Mother and daughter build a 70 m² house with more than 8,000 discarded glass bottles and impress with their creativity; known as the Casa de Sal, the property is located on Itamaracá Island, in Pernambuco.

Workers were opening a new road connection near the Marginal Tietê when they found, in the underground of the construction site, remnants of locomotives, wagons, and boilers from the 19th century linked to the forgotten history of Lapa.

Instead of burning or burying old tires, an American city is transforming about 2,000 of them into the street itself, paving its first sections with a quieter and more durable rubber asphalt.

He transformed an abandoned plastic water tank into an underground house in the “hobbit hole” style, using only repurposed pallet wood, without heavy machinery or expensive labor.

China transforms desert-devastated area into the world’s largest artificial forest, planting trees for 60 years, blocking sand that reached Beijing, and creating a “green lung” of 92,000 hectares in a region once considered lost.

The river that “dies” in the desert never reaches the sea and yet gives life to one of Africa’s largest natural refuges in a truly impressive way.

Greek island offers free housing for volunteers, but there’s a condition: you need to take care of rescued cats.

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