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.

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🔗 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.

The timing is strategic, as Europe has been working to establish telecommunications independence through its own satellite constellation (IRIS2) by 2030 4. Ukraine’s earlier 2026 implementation with Starlink positions it as a pioneer in this crucial infrastructure.

For a nation facing ongoing military challenges, control over communications infrastructure represents a matter of sovereignty and security. When terrestrial infrastructure is vulnerable to physical attacks, satellite-based communications provide a critical resilience layer that’s significantly harder to disrupt.

3️⃣ Kyivstar’s transformation showcases Ukraine’s business evolution

Kyivstar’s planned NASDAQ listing represents a remarkable evolution from its origins as a traditional mobile operator established in 1994 when Ukraine’s telecommunications market was in its infancy 5.

The company’s Q1 2025 performance demonstrates its financial strength despite wartime conditions, with a 37.1% revenue increase to $255 million and a 50.5% rise in adjusted EBITDA 6. This financial resilience makes it an attractive investment opportunity despite geopolitical challenges.

Beyond financial metrics, Kyivstar has strategically diversified beyond telecommunications through acquisitions in ride-hailing (Uklon) and digital health (Helsi) platforms 7, positioning itself as a comprehensive digital services company rather than merely a mobile operator.

This transformation mirrors broader trends where telecommunications companies globally are evolving from connectivity providers to digital ecosystem players. Kyivstar is executing this pivot under uniquely challenging circumstances while still attracting international investment interest.

Recent SpaceX developments

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