Kyivstar has successfully tested Starlink’s direct-to-mobile technology, owned by Elon Musk, for the first time in Eastern Europe. The pilot test took place in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. During the test, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine’s Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov exchanged messages using regular smartphones.
The main advantage of this technology is that it provides reliable communication even in areas where mobile networks do not work. This is especially important in war-affected regions of Ukraine, as connectivity is often disrupted by Russian attacks. The satellites are equipped with special modems that send signals directly to phones, functioning like small mobile base stations in space.
Telecom companies worldwide are showing interest in satellite technology to eliminate “dead zones” and provide mobile connectivity and internet even in remote areas. Starlink has already signed agreements with mobile operators in 10 countries, and Kyivstar will be the first operator in Europe to implement this service.
The plan is to launch the service commercially by the end of 2025. Initially, only messaging will be available, while mobile satellite internet will be offered to a wider audience starting in 2026.
Additionally, Kyivstar’s parent company, VEON, is negotiating with other providers, including Amazon’s Project Kuiper, to expand satellite services beyond Ukraine.
