Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell services in Ukraine

Ukraine's leading mobile operator Kyivstar has signed an agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, its parent company VEON announced on Monday, according to a recent report by Reuters.

As per the report, the new service will allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites equipped with modems, bypassing traditional cell towers. Kyivstar expects to launch messaging functionality by the fourth quarter of 2025, with voice and data services following in subsequent stages. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, states the report.

Starlink, which already provides crucial internet connectivity to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, began rolling out satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities earlier this year. The service has been expanded to other countries, including the US, Japan, and New Zealand.

As per the report, Ukraine is set to become one of the first nations globally to adopt direct-to-cell satellite connectivity, making it the first conflict zone where the technology will be implemented.

The deal comes amid rising tensions, with Russia increasing efforts to jam Starlink's satellite signals in Ukraine since 2022.

Starlink's owner, Musk, has also been involved in discussions with US officials regarding his continued support for Ukraine's connectivity needs, including a call with President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November, further adds the report.

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