Starlink Emerges as Lifeline During Iberian Blackout Crisis
In an unprecedented turn of events, SpaceX’s Starlink service proved to be a beacon of connectivity during a historic blackout that swept across Spain and Portugal. As traditional telecommunications networks faltered, Starlink experienced a surge in demand, highlighting the growing reliance on satellite internet in times of crisis.
On April 28, 2025, the Iberian Peninsula faced one of the most significant power outages in its history, with reports indicating that 60% of Spain’s power demand disappeared in mere seconds. This catastrophic event exposed the vulnerabilities within conventional network infrastructure, prompting a dramatic 35% spike in Starlink usage, particularly in Spain, where usage soared by an astounding 60% above average.
According to data analyzed by FT, the spike in Starlink subscriptions and usage coincided with a significant drop in traditional mobile network performance. Ookla’s internet access analysis revealed that many users turned to Starlink as their primary means of connectivity when mobile services became erratic. Network consistency plummeted, with thousands of mobile antennas losing power—leading to a reduction in mobile coverage to about half of its normal rate.
Claudio Fiandrino, a researcher at IMDEA Networks Institute in Madrid, commented on the situation, stating, “Too many people were trying to access too few resources. That’s why during the recovery phase, it was hard to get connectivity stable.” This sentiment echoes the experiences of countless users who found themselves cut off from vital communication channels.
Interestingly, Starlink was able to maintain operational status even when the entire countries of Spain and Portugal lost power. This capability highlights the service’s potential as a reliable backup for users, even those with traditional high-speed landline connections. A tweet from user @gorklon rust emphasized this point, stating, “Worth having @Starlink as backup, even if you have a gigabit landline.”
Amid the chaos, Vodafone España reported that backup generators activated at 70% of their sites; however, regions such as Galicia and Murcia saw mobile traffic plummet to alarming lows, reaching just 20% by nightfall. In contrast, Telefónica prioritized emergency services and hospitals, managing to restore 95% of its network within 24 hours and achieving full recovery by May 1.
Despite the increased demand placing strain on Starlink’s coverage, the service remained operational by connecting to ground stations in Italy when local Spanish sites failed. This adaptability further underscores the resilience of satellite internet technology in crisis situations, proving to be a critical lifeline when conventional networks were rendered ineffective.
The blackout, which many experts believe could be linked to the electrical grid’s inability to manage excessive solar power, has sparked urgent discussions surrounding the need for more resilient mobile networks in Spain. As the national grid operator, Red Eléctrica, continues to investigate the incident, questions linger regarding the future of Spain and Portugal’s energy infrastructure and its ability to withstand such unprecedented events.
The implications of this historic blackout extend beyond immediate connectivity concerns; they raise critical questions about the robustness of telecommunications infrastructure in the face of natural and technological challenges. Starlink’s reliability during this crisis underscores its growing role in bridging connectivity gaps, especially as traditional systems struggle to adapt.
As both Spain and Portugal work toward recovery, the need for a more resilient telecommunications framework becomes increasingly clear. The blackout serves as a reminder of the importance of innovative solutions like Starlink, which can provide essential services when conventional networks falter.
In conclusion, the unprecedented demand for Starlink during the blackout crisis not only highlights the service's potential but also emphasizes the urgent need for advancements in telecommunications infrastructure. As regions recover from this historic event, the lessons learned will undoubtedly shape future policies and innovations aimed at creating a more reliable and resilient communication landscape.
