Starlink announces direct-to-cell service: Ukraine among the first customers
SpaceX's Starlink is set to revolutionize global connectivity with the launch of its Direct-to-Cell satellite service, and Ukraine is among the first beneficiaries. VEON Ltd through Kyivstar, its digital operator in Ukraine, revealed it has signed an agreement with Starlink to enhance the country's connectivity resilience, especially after the disruption caused by war.
Starlink’s technological milestone
SpaceX revealed the successful completion of its first test of Direct-to-Cell technology in a letter to the FCC.
"On January 2, 2025, we launched our first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities. Launch and early tests of the technology were all completed without issue. On Monday, January 8, less than 6 days after launch, we sent and received our first text messages to and from unmodified cell phones on the ground to our new satellites in space using T-Mobile network spectrum. This validates that our link budget closes, and the system works!" SpaceX wrote.
Equipped with custom silicon, phased array antennas, and advanced algorithms, the new satellites enable standard LTE service with plans to expand to voice, data, and IoT connectivity by 2025.
Ukraine: A strategic first adopter
“In childhood, we read books about space, and today we have become really close to the stars. Together with Starlink, we are starting to introduce Direct to Cell satellite communications in Ukraine,” Kyiv wrote on X.
According to their announcement, the company will start rolling out the Direct-to-Cell service in the fourth quarter of 2025. The initial phase will support SMS and OTT messaging, with subsequent expansions to include voice and data capabilities.
“Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience throughout the war,” Oleksandr Komarov, the company CEO said. “This collaboration is a game-changer in our journey towards achieving our ‘LTE everywhere’ ambition.”
Starlink's technology promises to provide satellite-powered connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or disrupted, ensuring uninterrupted communication even during energy blackouts.
VEON’s commitment to Ukraine
VEON, Kyivstar's parent company, has been a key investor in Ukraine's telecommunications sector, committing over $10 billion since 2013 and an additional $1 billion for recovery efforts through 2027. The partnership with Starlink aligns with VEON's mission to bridge the connectivity gap and strengthen its presence across regions with limited access to robust digital infrastructure.
“This agreement marks a transformative year for VEON,” said Augie K Fabela II, VEON's Chairman and Founder. “We will leverage space technology to extend our reach far beyond the current 160 million people we serve.”
A global game-changer
As SpaceX prepares to scale its constellation of Direct-to-Cell satellites, what’s for sure is that the technology will redefine mobile connectivity in an unprecedented way. It’s a true game-changer.
