Ukrainian telecom giant Kyivstar has secured regulatory approval to leverage Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network for text messaging services, potentially revolutionizing communication in war-torn regions cut off by Russian attacks.
Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian telecommunications firm Kyivstar has received regulatory approval to test Starlink Direct-to-Cell messaging services in areas affected by the conflict with Russia.
- The service will utilize Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites to provide text messaging capabilities to standard mobile phones without additional hardware in areas with damaged infrastructure.
- Field testing will begin in select Ukrainian regions this summer, with full commercial deployment planned for Q4 2025.
- This initiative is part of a larger $1 billion investment by VEON and Kyivstar in Ukraine’s telecommunications infrastructure from 2023 to 2027.
- Starlink has been crucial for maintaining Ukrainian connectivity since Russia’s invasion in 2022, supporting both civilian and military communications.
Strategic Communications Breakthrough for War-Affected Regions
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest digital operator with over 23 million mobile subscribers, has received crucial approval from the Ukrainian National Commission for Electronic Communications to test text messaging services via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. This approval follows successful integration testing of Kyivstar’s SIM cards with Starlink’s satellite network in a U.S. technology evaluation lab, confirming the compatibility of the systems. The initiative represents a significant advancement in ensuring communications remain available in areas where traditional infrastructure has been compromised by Russian military strikes.
“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.”
Implementation Timeline and Service Capabilities
The initial field testing of the Direct-to-Cell (D2C) service will commence this summer in select Ukrainian regions, focusing first on basic text messaging capabilities. Kyivstar has already allocated the necessary spectrum and is actively adapting its infrastructure to support the satellite-based communication system. The service is designed to work with standard, unmodified mobile handsets, requiring no additional hardware for end users, making it an ideal solution for emergency situations and remote areas.
Full commercial deployment of the Starlink D2C service, which will include both SMS and over-the-top messaging applications, is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. This gradual rollout strategy allows Kyivstar to refine the service based on real-world testing while ensuring reliable connectivity in areas most affected by infrastructure damage. The technology will be particularly valuable in rural regions that have historically suffered from limited telecommunications coverage even before the current conflict.
Building on Starlink’s Critical Role in Ukraine
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Starlink’s satellite internet service has played a crucial role in maintaining Ukraine’s connectivity, supporting both civilian communications and military operations. The expansion into Direct-to-Cell services represents the next evolution of this support. SpaceX has already completed the first-generation deployment of Starlink satellites with D2C payload capability, which is currently limited to messaging and emergency alerts in the United States and New Zealand.
“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.”
Long-term Investment in Ukraine’s Digital Infrastructure
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by VEON and Kyivstar to invest USD 1 billion in new telecommunications technologies in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027. VEON, a global digital operator with nearly 160 million customers across six countries, has strategically pivoted since exiting the Russian market in 2022 to focus on Ukraine and other high-growth markets. Kyivstar has already contributed over UAH 2 billion (approximately $50 million) to support Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
The partnership between Kyivstar and Starlink represents a powerful example of how private sector innovation can address critical wartime needs. By leveraging cutting-edge satellite technology to ensure communications resilience, this initiative helps prevent Russian attacks from isolating Ukrainian communities and disrupting essential information flows. As the conflict continues, maintaining robust communication networks remains a strategic priority for Ukrainian defense and civilian welfare alike.
