Mobile operator Kyivstar announced that its subscribers can exchange messages via Starlink satellites even in the complete absence of mobile coverage. What is needed to use the service?
Mobile operator Kyivstar announced that its subscribers can exchange messages via Starlink satellites even in the complete absence of mobile coverage. What is needed to use the service?
«We want you to stay connected even in the most difficult conditions. Even where there is no mobile network coverage. After all, we know how important even one short message can be. That is why SMS via Starlink Direct to Cell satellite communication is already available to all our subscribers,» Kyivstar said.
The company noted that this is an assistive technology that does not require additional setup. The smartphone itself finds a satellite signal when there is no terrestrial coverage, and the subscriber only needs to be in the open sky.
«This is especially important in conditions of prolonged power outages and shelling of critical infrastructure. This way, Ukrainians will be able to send SMS to their relatives and, if necessary, share their location,» commented the announcement of Kyivstar, the head of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Mykhailo Fedorov.
Currently, the technology is available on 4G-enabled smartphones running the Android operating system. With the upcoming iOS update, access will be available on iPhone 13 and all newer models. Starlink Direct to Cell from Kyivstar covers the entire territory of Ukraine, except for border zones, occupied territories, and areas of active hostilities.
After SMS, Kyivstar plans to implement voice calls and mobile Internet via Starlink Direct to Cell.
