Every third Starlink Direct to Cell user in the world is from Ukraine
During the Mobile World Congress 2026 exhibition in Barcelona, Kyivstar announced that 5 million subscribers have already used satellite communication from SpaceX at least once.
During the Mobile World Congress 2026 exhibition in Barcelona, Kyivstar announced that 5 million subscribers have already used satellite communication from SpaceX at least once.
In total, 16 million people in the world use this technology, that is, almost a third of them are in Ukraine.
Since November 24, 2025, when Kyivstar was the first in Europe to open test access to SMS exchange via satellites for all 4G SIM cards, Ukrainians have transmitted over 7 million messages.
Ilya Polshakov, Director of New Business Development at Kyivstar, noted that Ukrainian experience in working in extreme conditions directly shapes the global practice of developing satellite technologies.
"Kyivstar is shaping the global practice of integrating Starlink Direct to Cell with its terrestrial network, and Ukrainian scenarios directly affect the development of satellite communication technology. We are adapting to the real challenges we face today in Ukraine. What we are currently working on will help other countries strengthen communication resilience during crises, disasters, and other emergencies," noted Ilya Polshakov.
The technology has proven its critical importance in regions with damaged infrastructure and during power outages. According to Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov, in the last 30 days alone, 376,000 satellite SMS messages have been sent and received in the frontline territories of the south and east.
“Starlink Direct to Cell continues to prove that it works when it matters most. The technology has become part of Kyivstar’s response to the critical challenges we face in areas without terrestrial coverage, supporting volunteers, rescuers and humanitarian missions, as well as people living in frontline regions or experiencing prolonged blackouts. For many regions, Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity is a critical security and communication tool. In the last 30 days alone, 376,000 messages have been received and sent in frontline regions in southeastern and eastern Ukraine,” said Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov.
The company plans to take the next step in 2026 and launch the Light Data service, which will provide basic mobile internet access for smartphones optimized for the satellite environment.
The operator is already collaborating with application developers to ensure the stable operation of critical government and emergency services during crisis situations.
Kyivstar becomes Starlink Mobile partner: SpaceX prepares V2 satellites for calls and 5G
Kyivstar becomes Starlink Mobile partner: SpaceX prepares V2 satellites for calls and 5G
In March, Kyivstar will replace 3G technology with 4G in a number of settlements
In March, Kyivstar will replace 3G technology with 4G in a number of settlements
Vodafone Ukraine and AST SpaceMobile plan to introduce high-speed satellite internet and voice for Ukraine. This will be an alternative to the Starlink and Kyivstar duo
Vodafone Ukraine and AST SpaceMobile plan to introduce high-speed satellite internet and voice for Ukraine. This will be an alternative to the Starlink and Kyivstar duo
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