Starlink partners with Kyivstar to launch satellite mobile service in Ukraine by 2025
Elon Musk's Starlink has partnered with Ukraine's largest telecom operator, Kyivstar, to provide satellite-based mobile service. The "Direct to Cell" service will allow customers to send text messages even when the regular network is down. This service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. It will be accessible on 4G LTE-capable phones without needing extra hardware or software. Starlink has already supplied Ukraine with portable internet terminals since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The new service aims to enhance connectivity for over 23 million Kyivstar subscribers.