Ukraine’s Kyivstar Becomes First in Europe to Launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell Service
Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, has become the first telecom company in Europe to roll out Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite technology. The service aims to keep millions of Ukrainians connected amid ongoing wartime power outages and damaged communication infrastructure, the company announced on Monday.
Expanding Connectivity Amid War
Under a partnership between Elon Musk’s Starlink and telecoms group Veon, which owns Kyivstar, the operator is initially offering SMS services via satellite. Voice and data capabilities are planned for next year as part of the next phase of deployment.
“In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe,” said Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov. He added that the technology will help strengthen the resilience of the country’s mobile network, which serves about 22.5 million users.
Staying Online During Blackouts and Crises
The new satellite-powered service will allow ordinary 4G smartphones to remain connected even during prolonged blackouts or in areas where infrastructure has been damaged. It will also prove vital in recently liberated territories and during rescue or humanitarian operations.
Kyivstar has already taken steps to reinforce its network reliability. The company has installed additional batteries and generators, allowing for more than 10 hours of uninterrupted service when power grids are offline due to Russian attacks.
During nearly four years of war, repeated strikes on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have caused widespread blackouts and severely disrupted communication systems.
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine’s Connectivity
Direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites in low-Earth orbit, eliminating the need for terrestrial cell towers. Starlink already provides essential internet services in Ukraine, supporting both civilians and the armed forces.
Officials say more than 50,000 Starlink terminals are currently active across the country, enabling battlefield communication and drone operations. Starlink’s satellite network continues to serve as a crucial lifeline for internet access in remote or war-torn regions.
with inputs from Reuters