KYIV, 25 November (H.S.): Ukraine's largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, has become the first in Europe to launch Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite service, a critical step in bolstering the nation's communication infrastructure amidst the ongoing war. The service, which went live on Monday, allows Kyivstar's 22.5 million subscribers with standard 4G smartphones to send and receive SMS messages even when terrestrial networks are unavailable due to blackouts or damage.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between Kyivstar's parent company, Veon, and Elon Musk's SpaceX, the operator of the Starlink satellite constellation. The direct-to-cell technology enables smartphones to connect directly with low-Earth orbit satellites, ensuring a resilient communication channel in a country where the power grid and other infrastructure have been repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks.
In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe, said Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov, emphasizing the life-saving potential of the new service. The company has already taken significant steps to enhance its network resilience, including the deployment of batteries and generators to provide over 10 hours of continuous coverage during power outages.
The initial phase of the direct-to-cell service is focused on SMS capabilities, with plans to expand to voice and data services in 2026. The service is available to all Kyivstar subscribers with 4G smartphones at no extra cost and covers the entire territory of Ukraine, with the exception of occupied areas, border regions, and active combat zones.
The launch in Ukraine is part of a broader framework agreement between Veon and Starlink, which could see similar services rolled out in other Veon markets, collectively home to 528 million people. The technology has already seen significant uptake, with around 200,000 Kyivstar customers having registered for the service and over 16,000 SMS messages sent and received on the first day of operation. The Ukrainian armed forces are also heavily reliant on Starlink for battlefield communications.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
