"Kyivstar" and Starlink have signed an agreement on the use of satellite communication in Ukraine

"Kyivstar" and Starlink have signed an agreement on the use of satellite communication in Ukraine

The largest Ukrainian mobile operator "Kyivstar" and its parent company VEON announced the signing of an agreement with Starlink to start implementing satellite connectivity Direct to Cell in Ukraine.

Thanks to this agreement, Ukraine will become one of the first countries in the world to gain access to the Direct to Cell service. The service with the possibility of exchanging SMS and OTT messages is planned to start in the 4th quarter of 2025, with the next phase being voice communication and data transmission.

We read books about space in childhood, and today we have become truly closer to the stars ✨

Together with @Starlink, we are starting to implement satellite connectivity Direct to Cell in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/J4wF5sfrSR

— Kyivstar (@TwiyKyivstar) December 30, 2024

Thanks to Starlink technologies, "Kyivstar" subscribers will be able to maintain a stable connection even when the terrestrial network cannot provide coverage in certain areas. This is expected to improve the quality of communication during power outages and in remote regions.

The Direct to Cell technology on Starlink satellites uses an advanced eNodeB modem, which acts as a cell tower in space. This allows integration into the network as a regular roaming partner. Thanks to this technology, connectivity will be available in remote regions and will work with LTE smartphones without the need for changes in hardware, firmware, or the installation of special applications.