Ukraine to Introduce Starlink Mobile Internet in 2026, Marking Europe's First, according to Kyivstar
Ukraine is set to become the first European country to offer direct-to-cell satellite internet services, thanks to a partnership between Kyivstar, a major Ukrainian telecommunications operator, and SpaceX's Starlink project.
Kyivstar, owned by telecoms group VEON, announced that field trials for Starlink services have begun under an agreement signed at the end of 2024. The company aims to provide a phased rollout, with over-the-top (OTT) messaging via apps like WhatsApp and Signal available by the end of 2023, and mobile satellite broadband and voice communications available by mid-2026.
This technology allows mobile devices to connect directly to Starlink satellites, bypassing terrestrial cell towers. This capability is particularly crucial in a country like Ukraine, where ongoing military conflict has highlighted the need for resilient communication systems.
Kyivstar's CEO, Oleksandr Komarov, also announced that he will attend a Ukraine recovery conference in Italy, three years after the Russian invasion, to support the Ukrainian government and establish new business ties, some with Italian firms.
In addition to Kyivstar's efforts, U.S. operator T-Mobile has also announced plans to launch Starlink-based satellite data services by October 2025.
Despite the challenges posed by Russia's escalating assaults, Ukrainian telecom infrastructure has held up well, allowing fixed and mobile services to run for up to 10 hours during blackouts. This resilience is a testament to the robustness of the Ukrainian telecom sector.
Komarov also expressed his intention to finalize the US listing for Kyivstar on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the third quarter of 2023. This move is expected to further strengthen Kyivstar's position in the global telecom market.
In summary, Ukraine is on track to become Europe's pioneer for Starlink mobile broadband, providing a much-needed boost to its communication infrastructure amid ongoing war-related challenges. The initiative, led by Kyivstar, is expected to offer resilience in communications and set a precedent for other countries to follow.
[1] Kyivstar Press Release, Date: TBC [2] SpaceX Press Release, Date: TBC [3] T-Mobile Press Release, Date: TBC [4] VEON Press Release, Date: TBC
- The world of business witnesses significant movement in space-and-astronomy with Kyivstar, a leading Ukrainian telecommunications operator, partnering with SpaceX's Starlink project to bring direct-to-cell satellite internet services to Ukraine, aiming to improve the general-news sector and support resilient communication systems.
- Alongside Kyivstar, U.S. operator T-Mobile also joins the venture, announcing plans to launch Starlink-based satellite data services, demonstrating a shared ambition to enhance the global business landscape.
- As Kyivstar, owned by VEON, looks to expand its market presence, their CEO, Oleksandr Komarov, intends to seal new business ties with Italian firms, discussing potential collaborations during a recovery conference in Italy.
- In technology news, Komarov also announces Kyivstar's intentions to list on the NASDAQ stock exchange, a move intended to strengthen the company's position in the global telecom market, hinting at a promising future for art, science, and world affairs through advanced communications.
