Ukraine Tests Starlink Direct to Cell, Bringing Satellite Connectivity to Smartphones
Ukraine has successfully tested Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology, enabling smartphones to connect directly to satellites without additional equipment among the first in Europe.
The Gaze reports this, referring to an announcement made by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation.
The trial was conducted by Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
First Deputy PM and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov. Mykhailo Fedorov and Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov exchanged text messages and briefly spoke via video call while in the Zhytomyr region, where the technology is being tested.
The first stage of deployment will allow Kyivstar users to send text messages via satellite, with the service expected to launch in autumn 2025. Gradual network expansion will later enable more advanced features.
“Ukraine is leading Europe in launching Direct to Cell technology,” Fedorov said. “Reliable communication anywhere, under any circumstances, remains one of our key priorities, and this project is an example of effective partnership between the state, business, and technology companies.”
Starlink Direct to Cell allows standard 4G smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites, providing coverage in remote areas, during natural disasters, or in wartime blackouts caused by attacks on critical infrastructure.
Unlike traditional Starlink services, no antenna or router is needed – only a 4G-enabled phone with a Kyivstar SIM card.
The trial phase will be free of charge, with engineers continuing to test messaging and mobile data capabilities across Ukraine to assess performance and determine which devices may require updates.
The project aims to pave the way for nationwide satellite-enabled connectivity, ensuring Ukrainians remain connected in any situation.
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