Telecom group VEON has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to bring direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to Ukraine. This collaboration will enable Kyivstar, VEON’s Ukrainian subsidiary, to offer satellite-based services to customers nationwide.
Pioneering Satellite Connectivity in Ukraine
Ukraine will become one of the first countries to benefit from Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology, joining T-Mobile in the U.S. as the only operators rolling out this innovative solution. Service activation in Ukraine is expected in Q4 2025, initially offering SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging. Future phases will expand the services to include voice and data connectivity.
Starlink’s Role in Global Connectivity
Starlink’s satellite constellation, operational in around 118 countries, aims to connect regions where traditional internet infrastructure is limited. While its current deployments rely on Starlink terminal dishes, the new direct-to-cell capability eliminates the need for additional equipment, offering seamless connectivity using only mobile devices.
This advancement is made possible by Starlink’s latest satellite models, over 100 of which SpaceX launched in the past year. For Ukraine, this technology could serve as a critical resource, ensuring connectivity during emergencies and in areas where infrastructure has been damaged by Russian military actions.
Leaders Speak on the Partnership
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership “Today’s announcement helps us take our commitment to Ukraine’s connectivity to the next level, exponentially amplifying the resilience of our services with satellite connectivity.”
Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov underscored the importance of ensuring uninterrupted communication “Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience throughout the war. Our collaboration with Starlink is a game-changer in our journey towards achieving our ‘LTE everywhere’ ambition.”
VEON’s Commitment to Ukraine
VEON has invested over $10 billion in Ukraine since 2013 and pledged an additional $1 billion for recovery and reconstruction between 2023 and 2027. The company has been recognized as the top international investor in Ukraine for 2022 and 2023 by Forbes Ukraine and NV Ukraine.
Augie K. Fabela II, VEON’s Chairman and Founder, stated “Working with Starlink allows us to extend connectivity to underserved areas, supporting our broader mission to provide reliable services in emerging markets.”
Recognition for Crisis Response
At the World Communication Awards in London, VEON Kyivstar received the Crisis Response Award, acknowledging its efforts in maintaining connectivity and supporting resilience in Ukraine during challenging times.
This partnership between VEON and Starlink represents a significant step forward in bridging connectivity gaps and ensuring reliable communication for Ukrainian citizens, even in the face of ongoing challenges.
