Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radosław Sikorski, publicly called out Elon Musk, urging him to stop what he termed discrimination against Polish Starlink users. Sikorski warned Musk that Poland might reconsider its annual $50 million payment for Starlink services if the issue is not addressed.
According to reports, Sikorski’s remarks came in response to Starlink’s announcement that Poland has been excluded from its updated policy concerning European roaming, which currently covers over 30 countries. Under the new guidelines, users can move their terminals across these nations without restrictions, yet Poland does not fall within this region.
The company noted that registered accounts in Poland are treated solely as domestic accounts and do not allow for use outside the country. The reasoning behind this decision was not disclosed, but the new rules are set to take effect on August 17.
Krzysztof Hrynkiewicz, Poland’s Vice Premier and Minister of Digitalization, disapproved of SpaceX’s treatment of Polish customers, stating they are being unfairly prioritized below other European users. He has demanded an immediate reinstatement of equal conditions for Polish clients.
“If local regulatory requirements are the cause, I expect to see specific legislation cited. General explanations are insufficient. Polish citizens should not be treated worse simply because of a global corporation’s decision. Poland is not a second-tier market, and Polish customers are not second-tier clients,” Hrynkiewicz emphasized.
As of now, Musk has not responded to the comments from either Sikorski or Hrynkiewicz. Previously, there has been tension between the Polish Foreign Minister and Musk over Starlink services. Last year, Sikorski had similarly addressed Musk and was met with a dismissive remark in return.
Sikorski previously indicated that Poland is responsible for paying around $50 million per year for Starlink services in Ukraine and stated that alternatives would be sought if necessary. The potential ramifications of an ongoing dispute between Poland and Musk for Ukraine have not been detailed in recent reports.
Context
- Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Starlink terminals have been vital for connecting Ukrainian military and civilians in recently liberated areas.
- On February 22, 2025, Reuters reported the U.S. might consider depriving Ukraine of Starlink services to pressure Kyiv into signing resource agreements, threatening “inevitable disconnection” if terms are not met.
- Hrynkiewicz has expressed skepticism about such disconnection, stating that since Poland finances Starlink for Ukraine, it is unlikely that anyone would terminate a business contract involving Poland.
- Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, advised against alarmist rhetoric surrounding potential disconnections, citing alternative solutions already operational on the front.
- Musk has categorically denied Reuters’ claims about a possible withdrawal of Starlink services for Ukraine, calling the report “false.”
- On February 24, Hrynkiewicz announced that Poland would provide Ukraine with an additional 5,000 Starlink terminals.
