At the end of 2025, Kyivstar will introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell (yes, it will work via 4G smartphones, but it will not be as easy and fast)
VEON has announced that it has signed an agreement between its Ukrainian subsidiary Kyivstar and SpaceX-owned Starlink to introduce Direct-to-Cell satellite communications in Ukraine.
Here's What We Know
This cooperation will make Ukraine one of the first countries to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell service, which will increase the resilience of the national telecommunications infrastructure. It is expected that in the fourth quarter of 2025 Kyivstar subscribers will be able to use satellite services for SMS and OTT messengers, with further expansion to voice and internet services.
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group, said: "Kyivstar has done a great job investing in 4G in Ukraine, expanding coverage in remote areas and improving the energy resilience of its network.
"Today's announcement helps us take our commitment to connecting Ukraine to the next level by exponentially strengthening the resilience of our services with satellite communications.
Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov added that Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine's resilience throughout the war. He made a separate announcement on his Facebook page:
"The innovative Direct to Cell 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 terrestrial network is down due to military and man-made factors.
According to VEON's press office, since the beginning of the war, Kyivstar has invested heavily in expanding 4G coverage, acquiring spectrum and ensuring the energy resilience of the network, especially in remote areas. Access to Starlink Direct-to-Cell technology will allow Kyivstar subscribers to stay connected even when the terrestrial network is unable to serve a certain area.
VEON's parent company has invested more than USD 10 billion in Ukraine since 2013 and has committed to invest another USD 1 billion in the country's recovery and reconstruction between 2023 and 2027. VEON, through Kyivstar, was recognised as the leading international investor in Ukraine in 2022 and 2023 by Forbes Ukraine and NV Ukraine.
Starlink Direct to Cell
Starlink, a part of SpaceX, launched the Direct to Cell project on 2 January 2024, which is intended to provide mobile communications via satellites without the need to change devices or install special applications. The technology allows SMS, voice, data, and IoT services to be transmitted directly to regular smartphones using standard LTE protocols. The first text messages were successfully sent on 8 January 2024 via satellites launched six days earlier.
Schematic of the Direct-to-Cell technology. Illustration: Starlink
The system features innovative silicon, phased array antennas and developed algorithms that overcome the challenges of satellite communications: low power of mobile phones, the Doppler effect and signal delays. By integrating with Starlink's existing infrastructure, Direct to Cell satellites provide connectivity even without ground stations.
Six Direct-to-Cell satellites before launch. Image: Starlink
The first partners of the project include mobile operators T-Mobile, Rogers, Optus, and KDDI. Kyivstar has now joined them. The system has also received support from regulators in various countries and is expanding its global coverage.
Source: VEON
