Ukraine Trials Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell Service

• Kyivstar successfully tested Starlink’s satellite-based mobile messaging in Ukraine, with commercial rollout expected in late 2025.

First Field Test in Eastern Europe

Ukraine’s leading mobile operator, Kyivstar, has completed the first Eastern European field test of Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite technology. The trial took place in the Zhytomyr region, where Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov exchanged messages using standard smartphones. This test marks a significant step toward satellite-based mobile connectivity that does not rely on terrestrial infrastructure. The system connects directly to satellites equipped with cellular modems, functioning like space-based cell towers.

The technology is designed to maintain communication in areas where conventional networks are unavailable or damaged. Ukraine’s ongoing conflict has frequently disrupted terrestrial infrastructure, making alternative solutions increasingly vital. Starlink’s direct-to-cell service aims to fill these gaps, offering backup connectivity during emergencies. Kyivstar views the system as a supplementary channel, especially useful in frontline zones and during blackouts.

Commercial Launch Plans and Technical Details

Kyivstar and Starlink plan to launch the service commercially in the fourth quarter of 2025, beginning with messaging capabilities. Broader access to mobile satellite broadband data is expected in early 2026, according to Komarov. Initially, the system will support SMS and messaging apps, with voice and data services to follow. A technical limitation remains: devices must be outdoors with a clear line of sight to the satellite for the connection to work.

No additional hardware is required for users, as the service works with regular 4G-enabled smartphones and Kyivstar SIM cards. The system leverages over 600 Starlink satellites equipped with eNodeB modems, which act as mobile towers in orbit. This setup allows for direct communication without relying on ground-based infrastructure. SpaceX plans to expand the satellite constellation to improve coverage and performance over time.

Broader Implications and Industry Context

Telecom providers globally are exploring satellite-based solutions to eliminate coverage gaps, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas. Starlink has signed direct-to-cell agreements with operators in ten countries, with Kyivstar set to be the first in Europe to deploy the service. VEON, Kyivstar’s parent company, is also in discussions with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to broaden satellite connectivity options. These developments reflect a growing trend toward hybrid communication models that combine terrestrial and satellite networks3.

Ukraine joins a select group of countries—including the U.S., Japan, and Australia—testing this technology. The move aligns with broader efforts to ensure resilient communication infrastructure amid geopolitical and environmental challenges. Starlink terminals have already played a role in Ukraine’s defense strategy, supporting frontline communications since the 2022 invasion. As satellite technology matures, its integration into everyday mobile services could redefine connectivity standards worldwide.