Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading mobile operator, has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. The service is expected to be operational by 2025, offering messaging functionality and expanding voice and data services later.
Under the deal, Kyivstar will use satellites equipped with modems that function like a cellphone tower, allowing phone signals to be beamed from space directly to smartphones. This technology, also known as direct-to-cell, has been launched in other countries including the US and Japan.
Starlink’s decision to expand into Ukraine comes amid Russia’s efforts to jam signals between its satellites and ground terminals in the country since 2022. The agreement marks a significant development in Ukraine’s struggle against the Russian invasion.
As part of this effort, Musk recently joined a call with President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, where he pledged to continue supplying Starlink satellites to Ukraine. This deal is seen as an important step in Ukraine’s efforts to maintain connectivity during the conflict.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/starlink-roll-out-direct-to-cell-services-ukraine-2024-12-30