Kyivstar’s groundbreaking partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink network will bring satellite-based text messaging to war-ravaged areas of Ukraine where traditional infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine’s largest telecom provider Kyivstar has received regulatory approval to test Starlink’s satellite network for text messaging services in Ukraine.
- The satellite-based system will restore crucial communications in regions damaged by Russian strikes and in rural areas with limited connectivity.
- Successful integration tests between Kyivstar SIM cards and Starlink’s satellite network have already been completed in US labs.
- Full deployment of Direct-to-Cell services is scheduled for Q4 2025, with field testing beginning this summer in select Ukrainian regions.
- This initiative is part of VEON and Kyivstar’s USD 1 billion investment plan for telecom technologies in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027.
Ukrainian Telecom Giant Receives Approval for Starlink Integration
Ukraine’s telecommunications landscape is set for a significant upgrade as Kyivstar, the country’s largest digital operator, received regulatory approval to test Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell (D2C) services. The Ukrainian National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications granted this authorization following successful integration tests between Kyivstar’s SIM cards and Starlink’s satellite network. This development comes at a critical time when Russian attacks have severely damaged communication infrastructure throughout Ukraine, leaving many citizens without reliable connectivity.
“Kyivstar remains at the forefront of ensuring Ukraine’s connectivity, especially during challenging times,” stated Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar. “This partnership with Starlink underscores our determination to provide uninterrupted communication to our customers, regardless of circumstances. Deployment of this technology highlights our commitment to innovation and service reliability.”
Strategic Testing and Implementation Timeline
The integration process has already cleared a significant hurdle with successful testing in a U.S. technology evaluation lab, confirming compatibility between Kyivstar’s network and Starlink’s satellite constellation. Field testing is scheduled to commence this summer in select Ukrainian regions, initially focusing on text messaging capabilities. Kyivstar has allocated the necessary spectrum and is actively adapting its infrastructure to support this innovative service, with the full commercial launch of D2C services targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.
“In times of war, when communication and connectivity are essential humanitarian needs, VEON and Kyivstar are committed to investing in technologies that ensure connectivity for Ukraine and keep critical channels open,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. “With the integration of satellite constellations, we are further enhancing Ukraine’s connectivity.”
Addressing Critical Communication Needs in Wartime
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Starlink has played a vital role in maintaining communications in Ukraine, supporting both civilian and military connectivity. Kyivstar serves over 23 million mobile subscribers and 1.1 million Home Internet customers, making this partnership crucial for national communication resilience. This satellite-based messaging solution will particularly benefit areas where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by Russian strikes, as well as rural regions that have historically struggled with connectivity issues.
Investment in Ukraine’s Digital Future
This initiative forms part of a broader commitment by VEON, Kyivstar’s parent company, to invest USD 1 billion in new telecom technologies in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027. Despite the challenges of operating in a war zone, Kyivstar has already contributed over UAH 2 billion to support Ukraine during the conflict. VEON itself made a significant strategic decision in 2022, exiting the Russian market to focus on Ukraine and other high-growth markets, demonstrating its commitment to Ukraine’s digital infrastructure during this critical period.
Starlink’s D2C technology is currently limited to messaging and emergency alerts in the United States and New Zealand, making Ukraine one of the early adopters of this innovative communication solution. The deployment in Ukraine represents a vital test case for satellite-based cellular services in conflict zones and regions with compromised infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for future emergency communications systems worldwide.
