Kyivstar has launched Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite connectivity service for its customers in Ukraine.

Veon subsidiary Kyivstar confirmed that the service will enable the carrier to bolster connectivity to some of the country's most remote underserved areas.

In doing so, Ukraine becomes the first European country to switch on Starlink's direct-to-cell.

Starlink launched a similar service with T-Mobile in the US, helping the carrier to launch its nationwide satellite service.

SMS for now, mobile data to follow

The first phase of the launch has enabled people to send and receive SMS messages in areas where terrestrial connections are unavailable. According to Kyivstar, the next phase will enable light data with voice and video capabilities.

The launch of the service builds on a connectivity agreement signed between Kyivstar and SpaceX subsidiary Starlink back in January.

Kyivstar notes that the technology is crucial for Ukrainians in areas near the front line and in de-occupied territories where the terrestrial network is damaged or under restoration, plus for rescuers and humanitarian missions, amid the country's war with Russia.

“In Ukraine, staying connected means staying safe,” said Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar. “To ensure this for millions of Ukrainians, we have been equipping our network with batteries and generators that provide up to 10 hours of continuous coverage when the grid power is not available due to extended blackouts."

Komarov adds that the direct-to-cell technology will increase resilience significantly.

For now, the limited bandwidth of satellite channels means that Kyivstar is starting with just SMS messages, but has plans for voice calls and mobile data. The carrier didn't provide a timeline for this, however.

“Ukraine ranks first among European countries launching direct-to-cell technology. This is an important step in developing infrastructure that will ensure connectivity even in areas without traditional networks," said Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

"Despite all the challenges of wartime - constant Russian attacks on infrastructure, blackouts, and network damage - we continue to advance innovative solutions, because reliable connectivity under any circumstances remains one of our key priorities.”

Access is initially only compatible with Android smartphones with 4G LTE support, though iOS is expected soon, confirmed Kyivstar.

In order to access the network “Kyivstar-SpaceX” signal, customers need to be outdoors in an area without mobile coverage. It is provided to Kyivstar subscribers for no extra cost.

The launch of the direct-to-cell service also further extends Elon Musk's Starlink coverage in Ukraine.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Starlink terminals were given to Ukraine, some of which were paid for by the US government and other governments. The service has helped to keep Ukrainians and the Ukrainian military connected during the war.