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.

Be the first to react!

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.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

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.

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

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

Seven world powers including the US, China, and Russia are spending €22 billion on a reactor in the south of France that aims to confine plasma at 150 million degrees Celsius, ten times the temperature of the Sun’s core, using a magnetic field capable of lifting an entire aircraft carrier.

With a wingspan of 152 meters, 76 tires, and a capacity to carry 1,270 tons, the Boeing Pelican was the giant “flying ship” that promised to cross oceans close to the water on an invisible air cushion beneath its wings.

Elon Musk’s internet comes to mobile: Starlink technology connects smartphones without an antenna via satellite, works even without carrier signal, already costs just US$10 extra in the US, and could arrive in Brazil as an included benefit.

While countries spend billions to draw water from the sea, a Nobel-winning scientist creates a container-sized machine that extracts up to 1,000 liters per day from dry air and uses ultrasound to release water in minutes, even in the middle of the desert.

After 16 years and almost 600 prototypes, a Chinese inventor unveils the world’s smallest and cheapest manned jet, at just 3.80 meters long and costing US$7.2 thousand in materials.

Belgium will sink 23 giant concrete caissons, each weighing 22,000 tons, in the North Sea to build the world’s first artificial energy island 45 km off the coast, forming offshore electrical walls.

The duel between Shein and Temu gained a new chapter in London, with accusations of mass copying, a dispute over suppliers, and an impact on global fast-fashion.

Costing R$ 57,676 and with a range of up to 815 km, the Volkswagen up! TSI 2018 gets 16.3 km/l on the highway and can be financed with estimated installments of R$ 1,314.

Piauí may receive unprecedented solar technology in Brazil with giant mirrors and thermal storage, in a 100 MW project that aims to store solar heat to generate energy even after nightfall.

A Raia: the giant border between Portugal and Spain, which is 1,214 km long, features a bridge of only 6 meters, and has over 700 years of history.

Scientists pour 10 tons of cement into an abandoned anthill in Brazil and reveal an “underground city” with tunnels, chambers, and ventilation built by millions of ants.

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

A village with 115 inhabitants wants new residents: it offers a house, a job, up to 44 thousand euros in benefits, almost free rent, an annual grant of 8 thousand euros for 3 years, and a 20 thousand euro incentive for businesses in the mountains of Italy.

Seven world powers including the US, China, and Russia are spending €22 billion on a reactor in the south of France that aims to confine plasma at 150 million degrees Celsius, ten times the temperature of the Sun’s core, using a magnetic field capable of lifting an entire aircraft carrier.

With a wingspan of 152 meters, 76 tires, and a capacity to carry 1,270 tons, the Boeing Pelican was the giant “flying ship” that promised to cross oceans close to the water on an invisible air cushion beneath its wings.

Elon Musk’s internet comes to mobile: Starlink technology connects smartphones without an antenna via satellite, works even without carrier signal, already costs just US$10 extra in the US, and could arrive in Brazil as an included benefit.

While countries spend billions to draw water from the sea, a Nobel-winning scientist creates a container-sized machine that extracts up to 1,000 liters per day from dry air and uses ultrasound to release water in minutes, even in the middle of the desert.

After 16 years and almost 600 prototypes, a Chinese inventor unveils the world’s smallest and cheapest manned jet, at just 3.80 meters long and costing US$7.2 thousand in materials.

Belgium will sink 23 giant concrete caissons, each weighing 22,000 tons, in the North Sea to build the world’s first artificial energy island 45 km off the coast, forming offshore electrical walls.

Piauí may receive unprecedented solar technology in Brazil with giant mirrors and thermal storage, in a 100 MW project that aims to store solar heat to generate energy even after nightfall.

Scientists pour 10 tons of cement into an abandoned anthill in Brazil and reveal an “underground city” with tunnels, chambers, and ventilation built by millions of ants.

Earth’s core may have been leaking gold for billions of years, and volcanic rocks from Hawaii revealed the rare clue that surprised scientists.

70,000 tons of liquid argon will be buried more than 1 km deep in the US, as DUNE attempts to answer why the Universe exists filled with matter and did not disappear into antimatter.

End of an era on WhatsApp: tool used by Brazilians eliminated after less than 4 years

The duel between Shein and Temu gained a new chapter in London, with accusations of mass copying, a dispute over suppliers, and an impact on global fast-fashion.

Costing R$ 57,676 and with a range of up to 815 km, the Volkswagen up! TSI 2018 gets 16.3 km/l on the highway and can be financed with estimated installments of R$ 1,314.

Piauí may receive unprecedented solar technology in Brazil with giant mirrors and thermal storage, in a 100 MW project that aims to store solar heat to generate energy even after nightfall.

A Raia: the giant border between Portugal and Spain, which is 1,214 km long, features a bridge of only 6 meters, and has over 700 years of history.

Scientists pour 10 tons of cement into an abandoned anthill in Brazil and reveal an “underground city” with tunnels, chambers, and ventilation built by millions of ants.