Kyivstar’s deal with Elon Musk’s company to make cell service in Ukraine ‘uninterrupted’

Source: Kyivstar

Ukraine’s largest telecoms operator, Kyivstar, will introduce direct-to-cell services in 2025 after it signed a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to a statement from its parent company VEON on Monday.

This cutting-edge technology will provide reliable mobile communication, especially in the regions where terrestrial networks are often disrupted.

Kyivstar plans to roll out the first phase of Direct to Cell services by Q4 2025, starting with SMS and OTT messaging capabilities. The next phase will introduce voice calls and data transfer, further enhancing connectivity across the country.

The company hailed the deal that can help bolster Ukraine’s telecommunications infrastructure after it has faced unprecedented challenges amid Russia’s invasion.  Kyivstar has already made substantial investments in 4G expansion, spectrum enhancements, and energy independence, ensuring a resilient network for its users.

VEON echoed the sentiment, saying that the partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink is pivotal for deploying groundbreaking technologies in underserved areas. Since 2013, VEON has invested over $10 billion in Ukraine’s infrastructure and plans an additional $1 billion for digital network restoration between 2023 and 2027.

According to VEON representatives, Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology will play a crucial role in achieving Kyivstar’s mission: delivering stable, nationwide communication access, even in the most remote parts of Ukraine.