The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Shutterstock, Via Satellite archive

Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, is now offering direct-to-cell services for its customers by working with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. First announced early this year, the service is now available to Kyivstar customers at no extra cost. 

At a press conference on Monday, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov said that around 200,000 Kyivstar customers have already registered on the Direct to Cell network and more than 16,000 SMS messages were sent and received just on Monday when the service went live. 

Kyivstar noted this service will support customers during prolonged blackouts and Ukrainians in areas near the front line and in de-occupied territories where the terrestrial network is damaged or under restoration. It can also support rescuers and humanitarian missions. The coverage extends across Ukraine’s territory but does not include occupied areas, border regions, and active combat zones.

“In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe,” said Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar. “Today we are introducing the cutting-edge Direct to Cell technology which will increase this resilience significantly, starting with a vital functionality that is critical for our people. We are committed to carrying our partnership with Starlink further, ensuring the resilience of connectivity across Ukraine, which today becomes the first country in Europe to introduce Starlink Direct to Cell.”

Kyivstar said the Starlink Direct to Cell technology is compatible only with Android smartphones with 4G support, and integration with iOS is expected soon. 

The company is owned by multinational telecommunications company VEON, which is headquartered in Dubai. VEON’s framework agreement with Starlink, opens the door to bringing Starlink Direct to Cell to other VEON markets. Beeline Kazakhstan, another VEON Group company, signed a commercial agreement to launch Starlink Direct to Cell services in Kazakhstan earlier this month.

Kyivstar is the first provider in Europe to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell coverage. Virgin Media O2 in the United Kingdom recently announced plans to offer the service. Salt in Switzerland tested the capability with Starlink earlier this year, but said deployment of services depends on Swiss regulatory approvals.