Kyivstar is a Ukrainian mobile operator and a subsidiary of VEON Group. In partnership with SpaceX's Starlink, Kyivstar is set to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine, with the goal of providing uninterrupted connectivity, especially in remote and war-affected areas. The company plans to roll out SMS and OTT messaging functionality in Q4 2025, with voice and data capabilities to follow. Kyivstar is working to expand its 4G coverage and improve network resilience.
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Starlink Direct to Cell usage for Kyivstar is concentrated in Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipro.
The 3.0 million registered users represent more than 10% of Kyivstar’s total mobile subscriber base.
The Kyivstar partnership with Starlink is a key component of VEON’s pledge to invest $1 billion in Ukraine’s digital infrastructure between 2023 and 2027.
Since the Starlink Direct to Cell service launch, Kyivstar subscribers have exchanged more than 1.2 million SMS messages via satellite.
Kyivstar launched its Starlink Direct to Cell service on November 24, 2025.
Kyivstar, another VEON company, started direct-to-cell services for customers with Starlink last month.
Ukraine was the first European country to initiate widespread direct-to-device services with mobile network operator Kyivstar working with Starlink.
Kyivstar serves nearly 22.5 million Ukrainians as of September 30, 2025.
Kyivstar is the first European operator to benefit from the partnership between BICS and Starlink.
Kyivstar’s Starlink Direct to Cell technology is compatible only with Android smartphones with 4G support, with integration for iOS expected soon.
Around 200,000 Kyivstar customers have registered on the Direct to Cell network.
Kyivstar customers can access the direct-to-cell service at no extra cost.
Kyivstar is the first provider in Europe to deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell coverage.
Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, is offering direct-to-cell services for its customers by working with SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.
Trimble’s local geospatial distributor KMC Ltd. will provide maintenance and support to Kyivstar for the network.
Trimble and Kyivstar are partnering to install a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network to provide GNSS correction services across Ukraine.
Trimble and Kyivstar are partnering to install a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network to provide GNSS correction services across Ukraine.
Trimble’s local geospatial distributor KMC Ltd. will provide maintenance and support to Kyivstar for the CORS network.