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
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Kyivstar and Starlink plan a commercial rollout in Q4 2025, initially supporting messaging services.
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Mobile satellite broadband access for broader users is expected early 2026.
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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.