Starlink and Kyivstar to Bring Direct-to-Cell Connectivity to Ukraine
With this, Ukrainians can still communicate even when mobile networks are down.
It's no news that Ukraine has been through significant hardships because of its ongoing war with Russia. Since the conflict began in 2022, Ukraine has faced widespread infrastructure destruction, including critical mobile and internet networks. As a result, reliable communication has become a precious commodity.
Enter Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, which has been crucial in keeping Ukraine connected during these turbulent times, deploying terminals in the country not long after the conflict began.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Now, Starlink is taking its efforts to the next level with its direct-to-cell connectivity system.
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading mobile operator with 23.3 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million home internet users, has partnered with Starlink to bring this service to Ukrainians.
Direct-to-cell connectivity bypasses traditional mobile towers by sending phone signals directly from satellites in space. This satellite-powered service will initially provide messaging capabilities, with voice and data services expected to follow. According to Kyivstar, this service will take a while to arrive as it sets the official launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. Still, the implications of this technology are already stirring excitement.
This partnership makes Ukraine the first conflict zone to deploy direct-to-cell connectivity and one of the first few countries to do so alongside countries like the United States (with T-Mobile), Canada (with Rogers), New Zealand (with One NZ) and Japan (with KDDI) that all recently announces the ability to do so.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
In practical terms, Ukrainians can still send text messages even when mobile networks are down, providing a crucial communication lifeline for civilians, emergency responders, and the military.
Since Starlink’s direct-to-cell service works with any 4G LTE phone—without extra hardware or software—it offers a simple yet powerful way to stay connected in crises.
Starlink’s new direct-to-cell offering represents a significant leap in satellite connectivity, particularly in areas where traditional networks are vulnerable. For Ukraine, it’s not just a tech upgrade—it's a vital tool for survival in times of crisis.
As Starlink continues to roll out this service globally, it could redefine how we think about staying connected, especially in the most challenging environments.
