Ukraine to offer Starlink mobile by 2026, first in Europe

Ukraine will become the first European country to offer Starlink mobile services through a partnership between Kyivstar and SpaceX.

Messaging will launch by the end of 2025, followed by mobile satellite broadband in mid-2026, CEO Oleksandr Komarov said.

The rollout is part of a partnership with SpaceX to integrate Starlink’s satellite network with Kyivstar’s infrastructure.

Field tests are currently underway to enable direct-to-cell connectivity, allowing satellites to transmit signals directly to smartphones.

Messaging through apps like WhatsApp and Signal is expected by late 2025. Satellite broadband and voice services are planned for Q2 2026.

Kyivstar, owned by VEON, is also preparing for a NASDAQ listing, which is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of 2025.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Ukraine’s digital resilience defies conventional war impacts

Ukraine’s telecom sector demonstrates remarkable adaptability under extraordinary circumstances, operating networks for up to 10 hours during national blackouts today compared to widespread outages in 2022.

This resilience is part of a larger story of Ukraine’s digital transformation. The country’s IT sector grew from contributing just 1% of GDP in 2012 to 2.5% by 2016, showcasing robust development even during conflict 1.

The $1 billion investment commitment from VEON (Kyivstar’s parent company) through 2027 further illustrates confidence in Ukraine’s digital infrastructure despite ongoing hostilities 2.

This pattern of technological advancement during conflict diverges from historical precedents, where war typically decimates telecommunications capabilities. Ukraine has accelerated digital adoption, with innovations like Starlink’s direct-to-cell service implementation positioning the country as a leader in European telecommunications.

2️⃣ Satellite-to-phone technology represents strategic sovereignty

Ukraine’s move to become Europe’s first nation with direct-to-cell satellite service carries significance beyond technological bragging rights.

Direct-to-cell technology fundamentally changes connectivity by allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without special equipment, addressing the estimated 20% of European territory that suffers from inadequate mobile coverage 3.