Ukraine is the first country in Europe to have Starlink Mobile connectivity nationwide – the plan is to boost the economy and enable citizens in their daily lives as well as emergency comms
JSC Kyivstar, which says it is “Ukraine’s leading digital operator” now has 5 million customers connected to Kyivstar’s network via Starlink Mobile’s satellites. JSC Kyivstar is part of the Kyivstar Group, itself a subsidiary of the VEON Group.
Last November, Kyivstar became the first mobile operator in Europe to enable nationwide Starlink Mobile satellite connectivity for any customer with a 4G smartphone. Subscribers can send and receive texts via satellite when the terrestrial network is not available.
Since then, 5 million Kyivstar customers have connected to the Kyivstar-SpaceX network – SpaceX owns and operates the Starlink constellation – and more than 7 million SMS messages have been transmitted through the satellite network.
Experience will help other countries
In Ukraine, integration of satellite and terrestrial mobile networks is implemented in wartime conditions which include blackouts caused by attacks on power generation facilities, some regions have damaged infrastructure, and area near the frontline are particularly challenging. Kyivstar’s says these conditions are unique.
“What we are testing and refining will help other countries enhance resilient connectivity during crises, disasters, and other emergencies,” pledged Ilya Polshakov, Director of New Business Development at Kyivstar.
“Kyivstar is shaping the global practice of integrating Starlink Mobile with its terrestrial network, and the Ukrainian use cases are directly influencing the development of direct to device technology. We are adapting to the real challenges we face in Ukraine today.”
Oleksandr Komarov, Kyivstar’s CEO, commented, “Starlink Mobile…has become a key part of Kyivstar’s response to the critical challenges we face in areas with no terrestrial coverage, supporting volunteers, rescuers, and humanitarian missions, as well as people living in frontline regions or experiencing prolonged blackouts.
“For many territories, connecting via Starlink Mobile satellites has proven to be a vital tool for safety and communication. In the past 30 days alone, 376,000 messages were sent and received in frontline areas in the southeast and east of Ukraine.”
Business ambitions
Kyivstar is expanding the use of satellite connectivity for businesses and public services. The technology is being tested in the agriculture and the geodetic sector which is essential for defining coordinate systems, mapping, navigation and large-scale engineering.
It is also being used to help remove mines and in cooperation with the National Police of Ukraine.
Kyivstar has successfully tested Starlink Mobile in the financial services sector, working with Mastercard and partners, it validated operating 4G-enabled POS terminals via satellite. This showed it is possible to etend the reach and resilience of the financial service markets and ensuring access to payments for millions of Ukrainians and businesses in the most challenging conditions.
Looking ahead, Kyivstar plans to launch light data during 2026 and aims to ensure stable operation of key services; primarily emergency and government services, in scenarios where no terrestrial networks are available.
