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Ukraine Tests Starlink Direct-to-Cell Technology with Kyivstar

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Ukraine’s Kyivstar, the country’s largest mobile operator, has successfully field-tested Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite technology in Eastern Europe, the company announced Tuesday. The pilot took place in the Zhytomyr region, with Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov exchanging messages via standard smartphones.

WHY IT MATTERS
Direct-to-cell technology allows satellites to beam cellular signals directly to phones, providing connectivity when terrestrial networks are disrupted—a key advantage in war-torn Ukraine, where Russian attacks frequently damage infrastructure. The technology essentially acts as a cell tower in space, improving coverage in areas with limited or damaged ground networks.

GLOBAL CONTEXT
Telecom operators worldwide are exploring satellite solutions to reduce dead zones in remote or challenging terrain. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, has deals with carriers in 10 countries to offer direct-to-cell services, with Kyivstar positioned to be the first European operator to launch commercially.

NEXT STEPS

  • Kyivstar and Starlink plan a commercial rollout in Q4 2025, initially supporting messaging services.

  • Mobile satellite broadband access for broader users is expected early 2026.

  • VEON, Kyivstar’s parent company, is also exploring partnerships with providers such as Amazon’s Project Kuiper to expand satellite connectivity for mobile devices beyond Ukraine.

Musk’s Starlink Receives Final Regulatory Approval to Launch Commercial Operations in India

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India’s space regulator, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), granted Starlink a license on Wednesday to commence commercial satellite internet operations in the country. This clears the last regulatory barrier for Elon Musk’s satellite broadband provider to enter the Indian market.

Starlink had been waiting since 2022 for the necessary approvals. Last month, it received a key license from India’s telecom ministry, but awaited clearance from the space regulator. The newly issued license is valid for five years.

Starlink becomes the third company authorized by India to provide satellite internet services, following approvals granted to Eutelsat-backed OneWeb and Reliance Jio. Next steps for Starlink include securing spectrum allocation from the government, establishing ground infrastructure, and conducting testing to comply with India’s security regulations.

The licensing process was marked by a prolonged dispute between Musk’s Starlink and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio over how satellite spectrum should be allocated. The Indian government sided with Starlink, ruling that spectrum should be assigned directly rather than auctioned.

France’s SNCF to Roll Out Satellite Internet on Trains Amid European Connectivity Push

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France’s state railway operator SNCF is preparing to introduce satellite internet on its trains, joining a growing movement across Europe to improve onboard connectivity using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. The company announced on Friday it will launch a tender seeking providers to supply satellite-powered internet services.

Dual-Network Strategy

In a statement to Reuters, SNCF said it is adopting an “innovative approach” that combines terrestrial (4G/5G) and satellite internet to enhance network resilience and continuity across its vast rail network, including in rural and isolated areas.

“The satellite plus 4G/5G combination would eliminate dead zones and offer stable, fast service adapted to new uses such as streaming or video conferencing,” the company said.

Possible Partners: Starlink and Eutelsat

According to a source familiar with the matter, Elon Musk’s Starlink and France’s Eutelsat are among the companies being considered for the project. While SNCF declined to confirm specific talks, Eutelsat has publicly expressed interest, stating it is already in discussions with SNCF about a potential pilot project.

A Eutelsat spokesperson highlighted its experience in similar pilot efforts in Britain and Kazakhstan, and emphasized its position as one of only two active LEO providers currently operating, alongside Starlink. Eutelsat’s OneWeb network, backed by the French government, operates more than 600 LEO satellites.

“We intend to bid for the contract with our French partners such as Orange Business Services,” said the spokesperson.

A Broader European Trend

France’s move mirrors similar efforts across Europe:

  • Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato ran a two-week trial in June with providers including Starlink.

  • Scotland’s ScotRail began a six-week Starlink trial in May.

These initiatives seek to address longstanding problems with mobile-based train internet, which often suffers from dead zones, tunnel interference, and rapid handovers between towers—particularly challenging at high train speeds.

In contrast, LEO satellites offer more stable, continuous coverage, including in rural and mountainous regions where cellular signals are often weak or absent.

Looking Ahead

With public demand growing for high-speed, uninterrupted internet on the move, satellite connectivity is poised to become a mainstay of next-generation transportation infrastructure. France’s entry into the space-connected railway space may soon redefine the standard for European rail travel.