Kyivstar launches first Starlink Direct to Cell service in Europe

VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) announced that its Ukrainian subsidiary Kyivstar Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: KYIV; KYIVW) has launched Starlink's Direct to Cell satellite technology for customers in Ukraine. The service enables users to stay connected on standard 4G smartphones in remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Kyivstar becomes the first mobile operator in Europe to launch Direct to Cell satellite connectivity. The satellite-to-mobile service allows subscribers to maintain connectivity during prolonged blackouts, in hard-to-reach areas, and in recently de-occupied territories where terrestrial networks may be damaged.

"Ukraine ranks first among European countries launching Direct to Cell technology," said Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation. The technology addresses connectivity challenges during wartime conditions, including infrastructure attacks and network damage.

Initially, Kyivstar will provide SMS capabilities through the Starlink Direct to Cell system, with plans to extend services to voice and data in 2026. The service is available to all Kyivstar subscribers with 4G smartphones at no additional cost.

Coverage extends across Ukraine's territory, excluding occupied areas, border regions, and active combat zones. Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov noted the company has equipped its network with batteries and generators to provide up to 10 hours of continuous coverage during power outages.

The deployment follows VEON's framework agreement with Starlink for potential future collaborations across VEON markets, which serve 528 million people collectively. Beeline Kazakhstan, another VEON Group company, announced a commercial agreement to launch similar services in Kazakhstan earlier this month.

Stephanie Bednarek, Starlink VP of Commercial Sales, described the partnership as delivering the first Starlink Direct to Cell service in Europe. The technology supports business operations and provides connectivity for rescue and humanitarian missions.

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