Local regulators in Ukraine have given the green light to Kyivstar’s plan to trial space-enabled texting services this summer using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. The initiative, designed to enhance connectivity in areas devastated by Russian strikes or where traditional terrestrial coverage is lacking, marks a significant advancement in Ukraine’s telecommunications resilience.
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator with over 23 million subscribers, is spearheading this effort under the umbrella of its parent company VEON, which is headquartered in Dubai. VEON confirmed the approval for the field trials following successful laboratory tests in the United States that verified the compatibility of its SIM cards with Starlink’s satellite technology. Kyivstar aims to roll out commercial direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite services for unmodified 4G handsets by the fourth quarter of 2025, starting with messaging functions and gradually expanding to voice, data, and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.
The direct-to-cell capability enables standard mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites without the need for specialised equipment, potentially transforming the landscape of mobile connectivity in Ukraine. Early tests are set to begin in the summer months, with regulatory clearance from the Ukrainian National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum, and the Provision of Postal Services (NCEC) already secured.
This development builds on Starlink’s already critical role in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, when the satellite service provided a vital broadband lifeline for both civilian and military users. SpaceX recently completed the deployment of its first-generation Starlink satellites furnished with D2C payloads. Currently, this service is limited to messaging and emergency alerts in regions such as the United States and New Zealand. Kyivstar’s adoption represents one of the first practical deployments to support widespread civilian use in a conflict-affected zone.
The planned service rollout will initially support SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging on all 4G handsets, ensuring broad accessibility. Subsequent phases aim to integrate voice and data services and expand coverage for IoT devices by 2026. This phased approach seeks to address the communication challenges faced by many Ukrainians living in remote or war-damaged regions where terrestrial networks are frequently disrupted.
VEON’s renewed focus on Ukraine follows its strategic exit from the Russian market after the 2022 invasion, completing the sale of its Russian operations in 2023 to concentrate on high-growth markets including Ukraine. The company has reiterated its commitment to investing heavily in Ukraine’s digital infrastructure, pledging $1 billion through 2027.
In parallel, VEON is advancing plans to list Kyivstar on Nasdaq via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, aiming to be the first Ukrainian firm listed on a major U.S. exchange by the end of 2025. This move aligns with the group’s broader ambition to bolster Kyivstar’s market position and attract international investment amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Kyivstar’s CEO Oleksandr Komarov emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership with Starlink, stating, “This partnership underscores our determination to provide uninterrupted communication to our customers, regardless of circumstances.” This initiative is poised to significantly enhance Ukraine’s telecom resilience by leveraging cutting-edge satellite technology, ensuring vital connections remain intact even in the most trying times.
Overall, Kyivstar’s integration with Starlink’s direct-to-cell service represents a pioneering step in satellite-mobile convergence, offering a critical digital lifeline in a war-torn country and setting a potential model for other regions facing connectivity challenges due to conflict or remoteness.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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