Kyivstar launches Starlink Direct-to-Cell testing in Ukraine

On June 18, 2025, VEON , which owns Ukrainian operator Kyivstar , announced that it had received permission to field test Starlink Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology in Ukraine, the publication reports . SpaceNews . The approval was granted by the National Commission for State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services ( NCEC ). Field tests are due to begin this summer.

Before this, the technology passed laboratory tests in the USA, where the compatibility of Kyivstar SIM cards with Starlink satellites was confirmed. The Direct-to-Cell service allows you to send messages and receive alarms without using special equipment - just using a standard smartphone with support LTE. Commercial launch in Ukraine is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

According to Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov , cooperation with Starlink is a strategic step to ensure reliable communication even in the most difficult conditions. This primarily concerns regions where mobile infrastructure is destroyed or absent.

The announcement of the partnership between Kyivstar and Starlink was made at the end of December 2024. Then it became known that Ukraine would become one of the first countries where this technology would be implemented. In the Telegram channel Adaptis, we published a detailed explanation of the principle of its operation and the first stages of the launch. It was expected that the service would start with the transmission of SMS messages, and in the future it would include voice communication and mobile data.

In January 2025, it was further confirmed that the Ukrainian regulator had approved beta testing of Direct-to-Cell. Although the exact start dates were not disclosed, Kyivstar confirmed its readiness to work on implementing the technology together with SpaceX.

Although D2C does not involve the use of Starlink terminals, but works directly with the phone, this direction of development is another proof of how important the role of satellite communications is becoming in Ukraine. At Adaptis, we continue to monitor new Starlink initiatives that can strengthen communication in the most difficult conditions.

Do you want to always be up to date with the latest news about Starlink? Stay tuned!