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.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).
In just 1.5 months, Ukrainian specialists have created an innovative protective shell for the control modules of anti-aircraft missile systems (AMS) Patriot and Iris-T SLM. This development was another step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, aimed at protecting key elements of the air defense system from debris damage.