SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites on Dec. 4. Photo: SpaceX

Direct-to-cell connectivity is set to begin in  Ukraine this year. Kyivstar, a digital operator in Ukraine, has signed an agreement with Starlink, to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine. The deal was done between SpaceX and Kyivstar’s parent company, VEON Group, and announced on Dec. 30.

VEON is a multinational telecommunications company that operates in Ukraine, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The company has committed spending $1 billion for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction from 2023 through 2027.

The deal will make Ukraine one of the first countries to have the Starlink direct-to-cell service. Kyivstar anticipates launching Starlink direct-to-cell services with SMS and OTT messaging functionality in the fourth quarter of 2025 for Kyivstar customers, and plan to expand to voice and data in later stages.

Kyivstar reported significant investments in its 4G network, spectrum, and energy redundancy since the beginning of the war with Russia, and it is dedicated to expanding 5G coverage in remote areas and maintaining connectivity resilience and digital services during energy blackouts. With access to Starlink direct-to-cell technology, Kyivstar said its customers will benefit from satellite-powered connectivity even when the terrestrial network is unable to service an area.

“Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience throughout the war, and we are committed to leaving no stone unturned to keep Ukraine connected. Our collaboration with Starlink is a game-changer in our journey towards achieving our ‘LTE everywhere’ ambition. We are humbled to be the operator that serves its customer with exceptional services, and the company that brings the invaluable capabilities of global technology giants to the people of Ukraine through our international partnerships,” Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar, said in a statement.

Starlink has more than 330 satellites that can enable direct-to-cellular connectivity after launching the first shell of the D2C constellation at the end of 2024. Starlink is working with a number telcos around the world for service in their respective countries including T-Mobile in the U.S.; Entel in Chile and Peru; Salt in Switzerland; and Rogers in Canada.