Poland has demanded an explanation from SpaceX and Elon Musk over changes to roaming for Starlink satellite internet.
It was recently announced that roaming rules for a number of plans will change on Aug. 17. SpaceX has divided its global Roam network into three categories: the United States and Canada with their dependent territories, a common European region covering several dozen countries, and other countries considered individually. Poland was not included in the European region, although its neighbors were.
Polish users of the unlimited On the Road plan will now have to notify the company of an upcoming trip and provide identification documents. They will also be subject to a 30-day limit on internet use outside the country. Limited plans are restricted to the user’s country. For new subscribers, the rules took effect on July 14, while for existing subscribers they will take effect on Aug. 17.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski said today that the Polish side has already demanded an explanation.
“If SpaceX and Elon Musk want to operate in Poland, use the advantages of the Polish market and profit from Polish customers, he should treat them fairly and on equal terms”, Gawkowski said.
He said he did not accept the explanation that “it just happened that way”.
“That is why I asked SpaceX to urgently restore equal treatment for the company’s Polish customers. If the reason is ‘local regulatory requirements,’ I expect specific rules. General explanations are not enough. Polish citizens cannot be treated worse simply because a global corporation decided so”, he added.
“Poland is not a second-rate market. Polish consumers are not second-rate consumers”, Gawkowski concluded.
It should be noted that Poland pays SpaceX for terminals used by Ukraine. Musk’s attempt to restrict their operation has previously led to a heated exchange on X between Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and the businessman.