Kyivstar, the largest mobile operator in Ukraine, has signed an agreement with Starlink, a SpaceX company, to introduce Direct to Cell technology in Ukraine, which provides smartphone connectivity in areas where traditional mobile network coverage is not available – via satellite.
“We have signed an agreement with Starlink and are starting to implement the revolutionary Direct to Cell satellite communication in Ukraine… the service is able to provide mobile communication on any 4G smartphone using a satellite signal where there is no traditional coverage from operators, or if the ground network is down due to military and man-made factors,” CEO Alexander Komarov wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
“Kyivstar plans to launch Starlink Direct to Cell services with SMS and OTT messaging in the fourth quarter of 2025. The next stage will be voice and data communications, the company said.
This is a major investment by Kyivstar in the development of digital infrastructure, improving coverage, providing uninterrupted communication to all Ukrainians and strengthening national security, Komarov emphasized.
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of Kyivstar’s parent company VEON Group, noted that Kyivstar has done a great job investing in 4G in Ukraine, expanding coverage to remote areas and improving the energy resilience of its network.
“We are pleased to start cooperation with Starlink to make Ukraine one of the world leaders in the implementation of Direct to Cell satellite communications,” Terzioglu was quoted as saying by Kyivstar’s press service.
VEON Chairman of the Board Augie C. Fabella II said that the partnership with SpaceX will allow the company to use space technology.
“This agreement (on the introduction of Direct to Cell technology) marks a transformational year for VEON: from moving its headquarters to Dubai and focusing all operations on the Nasdaq in New York, to strengthening its commitment to innovation and growth in the regions that need it most,” the press service quoted the VEON chairman as saying.
Kyivstar’s press service clarified that Ukraine will be one of the first countries to get access to Starlink’s innovative Direct to Cell service, which will significantly increase the resilience of the national communications infrastructure.
Kyivstar reminded that since 2013, VEON, the parent company of Kyivstar, has already invested more than $10 billion in Ukraine and has committed to invest another $1 billion in the restoration of digital infrastructure in the period from 2023 to 2027.
Earlier it was reported that Kyivstar has launched VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) service for its subscribers, which allows them to make calls via Wi-Fi even in places with a weak mobile network signal.
“Kyivstar is Ukraine’s largest electronic communications operator with about 23.3 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million Home Internet subscribers. The company is 100% owned by the VEON group of companies, a Dubai-based digital communications operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers. VEON’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites are equipped with advanced eNodeB modems, which enable them to act as cell towers in space.
