Kyivstar CEO says OneWeb network asset, which could be used in Ukraine, has been sold. But it is not being used
A significant part of the OneWeb network that could be used in Ukraine has already been sold, but the name of its owner is not disclosed.
A significant part of the OneWeb network that could be used in Ukraine has already been sold, but the name of its owner is not disclosed.
«We signed a memorandum of understanding with OneWeb, which meant readiness for cooperation. However, it never turned into a commercial agreement. We are not closing this door yet, but there are key factors that influenced the situation. First of all, this is the available capacity of the OneWeb network for Ukraine. It turned out that a significant share of it has already been sold,» said the company’s president, Oleksandr Komarov, in an interview with Economic Truth.
However, the top manager did not name the buyer. «I only have assumptions, but I would not like to comment on them,» said Komarov.
Komarov also clarified that the OneWeb network in Ukraine has not been fully deployed. «Yes, it is definitely not fully implemented. Perhaps partially, since there are terminals, we imported them. But there is no mass deployment yet,» said the CEO of Kyivstar.
Recall, in March 2024, Reuters reported that Kyivstar’s parent company, the telecommunications holding company Veon, had entered into an agreement with the British company OneWeb to integrate the company’s satellite services with its terrestrial network.
In April of the same year, Kyivstar’s B2B director, Konstantin Vechir, said that the operator would be the official representative of the British OneWeb in Ukraine, thanks to which it would be able to provide high-speed broadband satellite Internet access services — an alternative to Starlink.
In May 2024, Komarov, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, spoke about the start of testing of OneWeb technology by potential customers in Ukraine. According to him, Kyivstar provided terminals, technical and commercial conditions for the pilot.
Kyivstar signed an agreement with Starlink, a division of SpaceX, on December 30, 2024, to introduce Direct to Cell satellite communication technology in Ukraine. It was expected that with its help, the company would launch the SMS and OTT messaging function in the fourth quarter of 2025. The next stage will be the implementation of voice communication and data transmission. Direct to Cell technology will provide mobile communication on any 4G smartphone using a satellite signal where there is no traditional coverage from operators or if the terrestrial network does not work due to military or man-made factors.
In March 2025, the French Eutelsat Communications SA (since September 2023 merged with the British low-orbit satellite operator OneWeb), amid information about the possible termination of Ukraine’s access to the Starlink satellite Internet system, announced its readiness to provide the country with an alternative by deploying Starlink analogues.
Kyivstar will become the official representative of OneWeb satellite internet in Ukraine, which is a competitor to Starlink
Kyivstar will become the official representative of OneWeb satellite internet in Ukraine, which is a competitor to Starlink
The owner of Kyivstar has reached an agreement with Musk’s competitor about satellite internet in Ukraine. And this is OneWeb. What is known about it
The owner of Kyivstar has reached an agreement with Musk’s competitor about satellite internet in Ukraine. And this is OneWeb. What is known about it
UPD. Shares of Starlink’s European competitor, Eutelsat, have tripled in the past two days. It is in talks to provide satellite internet in Ukraine
UPD. Shares of Starlink’s European competitor, Eutelsat, have tripled in the past two days. It is in talks to provide satellite internet in Ukraine
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