Kyivstar, VEON and Starlink agree to implement Direct to Cell satellite communications in Ukraine

VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), the parent company of Kyivstar (VEON or VEON Group), announces that Kyivstar, its digital operator in Ukraine, has signed an agreement with Starlink, a division of SpaceX, to begin implementing revolutionary Direct to Cell satellite communications in Ukraine.

This is announced in the company's statement, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

The statement says that Ukraine will become one of the first countries to have access to the innovative Starlink - Direct to Cell service, which will significantly increase the resilience of the national communications infrastructure.

It is noted that Kyivstar will launch Starlink Direct to Cell services with the function of exchanging SMS and OTT messages in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The next stage will be voice communication and data transmission.

Thanks to access to Starlink Direct to Cell technology, Kyivstar subscribers will be able to have uninterrupted communication even if the terrestrial network is unable to serve a certain territory.

Currently, since 2013, VEON, the parent company of Kyivstar, has already invested over USD 10 billion in Ukraine and has committed to invest another USD 1 billion in the restoration of digital infrastructure in the period from 2023 to 2027.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, from December 19, 2024, VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) from Kyivstar will become available to subscribers of all fixed-line providers in Ukraine.

Kyivstar is part of the Ukrainian business unit of the international telecommunications operator Veon (formerly VimpelCom).