Ukraine to become first in Europe to launch Starlink mobile services

Ukraine is set to become the first European country to offer Starlink mobile services, as leading telecom operator Kyivstar partners with Elon Musk's SpaceX to roll out direct-to-cell connectivity.

The phased launch will begin with messaging services by the end of 2024, followed by mobile satellite broadband and voice services in 2026, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Kyivstar Chief Executive Oleksandr Komarov, speaking to Reuters ahead of a Ukraine recovery conference in Rome, confirmed that field tests are already underway under an agreement with SpaceX to integrate its Starlink commercial broadband constellation.

"The first phase is over-the-top (OTT) messaging ... so messaging via WhatsApp, Signal, and other systems ... it will be in place at the end of this year," Komarov said.
"And probably at the beginning of 2026, let's be on the safe side, Q2 2026, we will be able to propose mobile satellite broadband data ... and voice."

Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites that act like spaceborne mobile towers, providing coverage even in hard-to-reach or war-affected areas. SpaceX has not responded to a request for comment on the Ukraine project.

The development follows a similar announcement by U.S. carrier T-Mobile, which will launch a satellite-to-cell data service powered by Starlink in October.

Komarov made the remarks as Italy hosted its fourth Ukraine recovery conference since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also attending the event, aimed at boosting international cooperation and investment in Ukraine's rebuilding efforts.

Komarov said his focus at the conference was to support the Ukrainian government and forge new business relationships, including with Italian firms interested in expanding into Ukraine.

By Vugar Khalilov