Ukraine’s Largest Mobile Operator Debuts Satellite SMS Service

Ukraine has become the first country in Europe where the operator Kyivstar has launched Starlink Direct-to-cell satellite communication technology.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to Reuters.

Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, has launched the ability to send SMS messages via the Starlink satellite network. According to a company announcement on November 24, 2025, open testing has begun on technology that allows users to send and receive SMS messages even in areas where there is no terrestrial mobile network coverage. 

Next year, the service is planned to be expanded to voice communication and data transmission under an agreement between Elon Musk's Starlink and the telecommunications group Veon, the owner of Kyivstar.

The new technology is integrated into the Kyivstar network and does not require additional equipment or special software. To connect, it is enough to be outdoors in an area without a regular mobile signal. Satellite coverage extends to most of Ukraine, with the exception of temporarily occupied areas, border areas, and areas of active combat operations.

According to the company's CEO, Alexander Komarov, the new service will increase network stability and allow Ukrainians to stay connected even during prolonged power outages, in de-occupied territories, and during humanitarian missions.

“In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe,” Oleksandr Komarov emphasized.

Kyivstar has already provided additional batteries and generators for more than 10 hours of continuous coverage when ground power is unavailable. During the war, Russia has repeatedly damaged energy and telecommunications infrastructure, causing prolonged power outages.

Direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites in space, transmitting signals back to Earth. Today, more than 50,000 Starlink terminals are already operating in Ukraine, actively used by both civilian and military structures, in particular for battlefield communications and drone control.

Earlier in August, Kyivstar successfully tested the technology in collaboration with Starlink, making Ukraine one of six countries in the world with access to Direct-to-cell.

Importantly, Ukrainian digital operator Kyivstar became the first Ukrainian company listed on the US Nasdaq stock exchange, opening trading under the ticker KYIV on August 29, 2025. This milestone highlights the company’s role as a driver of Ukraine’s economic recovery and the development of global partnerships.

Kyivstar serves around 22.4 million mobile subscribers, over 1.1 million fixed internet users, and more than 13 million active digital users, offering digital healthcare services, online entertainment, and ride-hailing platforms. The Nasdaq listing also provides American and international investors with access to the Ukrainian market and promotes collaboration between US and Ukrainian businesses.

As The Gaze reported earlier, according to Kyivstar CEO, a peaceful resolution to the war between Russia and Ukraine would “significantly” increase the value of the Ukrainian mobile operator.