SpaceX is changing its Starlink satellite internet usage policy for accounts registered in Poland. The changes will primarily affect volunteer and private terminals that are actively used by Ukrainian military and civilians on the front and in the rear.

This was reported by the Polish financial publication Money.pl, Censor.NET reports .

It is noted that Poland will be excluded from the list of countries in the “European zone” of the service, so devices exported from the country will be able to work continuously abroad for no more than 30 days. After that, owners will have to confirm their identity and undergo additional verification. 

For new customers, these rules have been in effect since July, and for those who already use Starlink, they will take effect on August 17.

Why Poland was excluded from the “European zone” of Starlink

According to SpaceX’s rules, travel between countries in the “European zone” (which includes the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Romania, and most EU countries) is not considered using the service abroad. However, Poland has been removed from this list.

Officially, Elon Musk’s company has not commented on the reasons for the change in rules. In Poland, this decision is attributed to two main factors:

1. Public disputes: escalating conflict on social media between Elon Musk and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski regarding funding and role in providing Ukraine with communications;
2. Combating resale: SpaceX’s efforts to stop the gray resale of terminals purchased at preferential prices on the Polish market and their use outside the country of destination.

According to available data, Poland has purchased more than 20,000 Starlink terminals for Ukraine at its own expense and pays monthly for their use for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, critical infrastructure, and civilian facilities.

Who is at risk of restrictions and who will not be affected by them?

The change in rules will be selective and depends on the form of design of satellite sets:

•  Government and corporate contracts: The new restrictions will not apply to terminals that the Polish government centrally purchased and transferred to Ukraine. 
•  Private and volunteer terminals under restrictions: The changes will directly affect devices purchased by individuals and volunteer organizations in Poland that operate in Ukraine in roaming mode. After 30 days of continuous operation, the system will require the owner to provide additional identity confirmation (verification) or offer to switch to a more expensive international tariff plan. Джерело: https://censor.net/ua/n4017931
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