VEON Ltd., a global digital operator, announces that Kyivstar Group Ltd., VEON’s digital operator in Ukraine, has launched Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite technology for its customers in Ukraine. Powered by Starlink’s Direct to Cell constellation, the service will enable all Ukrainians to stay connected on regular 4G smartphones in remote areas where the terrestrial network is not available. Kyivstar is the first mobile operator in Europe to launch Direct to Cell satellite connectivity.

The satellite-to-mobile service will enable Kyivstar subscribers to stay connected in prolonged blackouts, in hard-to-reach areas, in recently de-occupied territories where terrestrial networks are often damaged or under restoration, as well as in rescue and humanitarian missions. The service will also support businesses, enabling industries to stay connected and work more efficiently in places where connectivity was previously impossible or difficult. Kyivstar will initially provide SMS capabilities via Starlink Direct to Cell, with plans to extend this to voice and data in 2026.

“Ukraine ranks first among European countries launching Direct to Cell technology. This is an important step in developing infrastructure that will ensure connectivity even in areas without traditional networks. Despite all the challenges of wartime — constant Russian attacks on infrastructure, blackouts, and network damage — we continue to advance innovative solutions, because reliable connectivity under any circumstances remains one of our key priorities,” said Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov.

“In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe. To ensure this, we have equipped our network with batteries and generators, providing up to 10 hours of continuous coverage when the grid power is not available due extended blackouts. With the introduction of cutting-edge Direct to Cell technology, we are enhancing this resilience significantly, starting with a vital functionality that is critical for our people. We are committed to carrying our partnership with Starlink further, ensuring the resilience of connectivity across Ukraine, the first country in Europe to introduce Starlink Direct to Cell,” said Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar.

“Delivering the first Starlink Direct to Cell service in Europe in partnership with VEON and Kyivstar is an incredible milestone. It’s powering life-saving connectivity for Ukrainians, supporting business operations and unlocking a new way to keep people and communities connected when they need it most. As we work to advance our next-generation capabilities, we’re looking forward to continue building our partnership with VEON to bring satellite-to-mobile to more people in Europe,” said Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink VP of Commercial Sales.

The deployment in Ukraine follows VEON’s group framework agreement with Starlink, facilitating potential future collaborations on bringing Direct to Cell satellite connectivity to VEON markets, that are collectively home to 528 million people. Beeline Kazakhstan, another VEON Group company, also announced the signing of a commercial agreement to launch Starlink Direct to Cell services in Kazakhstan earlier this month.

“Connectivity is an essential humanitarian need and nowhere is it more vital today than in Ukraine. We are honored to have been able to bring this partnership to fruition in a short time, demonstrating VEON’s and Kyivstar’s commitment to Ukraine’s resilience,” explains Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group. “Today’s launch also lays the foundation for VEON’s future projects to that will enable satellite-powered resilient connectivity across our operations.”

Direct to Cell satellite connectivity is available to all Kyivstar subscribers with a 4G smartphone at no extra cost, ensuring they can stay connected when it matters most. Coverage extends across the entire territory of Ukraine, excluding occupied areas, border regions, and active combat zones.