Ukraine Pioneers Starlink Mobile Services in Europe

Messaging expected by year’s end, broadband in 2026

Ukraine is poised to become the first European country to offer Starlink mobile services. Leading operator Kyivstar plans to roll out messaging by the end of this year and mobile satellite broadband in mid-2026, marking a significant advancement for connectivity in the war-torn nation.

Kyivstar’s Ambitious Timeline

Field tests have already commenced under an agreement with **SpaceX**, aiming to launch direct-to-cell services before the end of 2024. This initiative will enable **Elon Musk**’s company to provide crucial communication capabilities in Ukraine.

According to **Oleksandr Komarov**, Kyivstar’s Chief Executive, the initial phase will focus on “over-the-top (OTT) messaging … so messaging via WhatsApp, Signal, and other systems … it will be in place at the end of this year.”

**Komarov** added that mobile satellite broadband data and voice services are expected to be available “probably at the beginning of 2026, let’s be on the safe side, Q2 2026.”

Direct-to-Cell Technology Explained

Direct-to-cell devices function by connecting to satellites equipped with modems similar to cellphone towers. These satellites then transmit telephone signals directly from space to smartphones, ensuring connectivity even in remote or damaged areas.

Economic and Strategic Importance

Speaking ahead of a Ukraine recovery conference in Italy, **Komarov** emphasized his goal to support the Ukrainian government and foster new business relationships, including those with Italian firms looking to expand within the country. Such conferences aim to bolster international support amid ongoing conflict. Since the start of the war, the U.S. government alone has provided nearly $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine. (Council on Foreign Relations)

Kyivstar Eyes NASDAQ Listing

Kyivstar, a subsidiary of telecoms group VEON, is also pursuing a U.S. listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange. **Komarov** described the project as “moving forward” and anticipates finalizing it in the third quarter of this year.

He believes this move will be “an exemplary move,” marking “the first in history, the direct placement of (a) Ukrainian entity on the American stock exchange … during the war.”

Resilience Amidst Conflict

Despite escalating assaults, **Komarov** assured that Ukrainian telecom infrastructure remains robust. While attacks on power grids last year caused significant blackouts, the infrastructure is now more resilient.

“I think that we are much more resilient than we used to be in 2022. Right now we can run our fixed and mobile services up to 10 hours during the blackouts, even national blackouts,” **Komarov** stated.