Now iPhone owners in Ukraine have access to satellite communication from Starlink directly on the Kyivstar network. Thanks to Direct to Cell technology, the smartphone connects to satellites directly - without additional equipment.
Now iPhone owners in Ukraine have access to satellite communication from Starlink directly on the Kyivstar network. Thanks to Direct to Cell technology, the smartphone connects to satellites directly - without additional equipment.
This was reported by the Ukrainian telecom community MZU - Mobile Communications of Ukraine.
"Kyivstar has received official Apple homologation: the 67.1 settings update has been released, which activates satellite communication support on the iPhone," the message says.
Starlink Direct to Cell allows regular 4G-enabled smartphones to connect directly to satellites, without the use of ground-based base stations. The technology can provide critical connectivity in places where terrestrial coverage is lacking. It will be especially useful during prolonged blackouts, in front-line and de-occupied territories
Kyivstar began testing this technology in September 2025. Already in November, the mobile operator provided subscribers on the Android operating system with the ability to send messages via Starlink satellites. This feature does not require additional configuration - just be in the open sky.
According to President Oleksandr Komarov, Direct to Cell technology will be a free service for subscribers of the mobile operator for at least a year.
