Kyivstar PJSC, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, has signed an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink to introduce a satellite-powered cellular service in the war-torn country. This initiative aims to enhance telecommunications infrastructure beyond the reach of Russian attacks.
The partnership will enable Kyivstar customers to access satellite connectivity when terrestrial networks fail. The company plans to offer text messaging using this technology by Q4 2025, with voice and data services to follow in subsequent phases.
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian infrastructure, including telecommunications networks, has been under regular attack. Starlink's portable terminals have become crucial for Ukraine's war effort, providing high-speed broadband connections for military communications as well as for the civilian population.
In January, SpaceX's Starlink launched its first satellites into orbit, facilitating the so-called Direct to Cell (DTC) service, which allows communication devices to connect directly to satellites without the need for relay stations. Last month, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission granted SpaceX approval to provide certain mobile coverage for consumers, and the company has partnered with T-Mobile US Inc. to reach customers in areas without signal.
Kyivstar is a subsidiary of the multinational telecommunications company Veon Ltd, based in the Netherlands. In June, it committed to investing $1 billion over five years until 2027 to restore Ukraine's digital infrastructure.