Ukraine is poised to become the first country in Europe to offer Starlink-enabled mobile internet service. Kyivstar, one of the country’s leading mobile operators, will launch limited internet access directly to mobile phones via satellite by the end of 2025 through a project implemented in partnership with SpaceX. Full mobile broadband and voice services will be operational by mid-2026.

Starlink’s mobile internet service is coming to Ukraine

Starlink’s “direct-to-cell” technology, unlike traditional mobile networks, connects smartphones directly via satellites without the need for base stations. The satellites used in this system are equipped with special modems that allow communication with standard mobile phones.

With this technology, Kyivstar will initially enable messaging services through OTT applications (such as WhatsApp and Signal). Satellite-enabled mobile broadband and voice calls will be available a year later.

This move by Ukraine represents a first for telecommunications in Europe. A similar plan is being implemented by T-Mobile in the US. The company previously announced plans to launch mobile data services operating over the Starlink satellite network in October 2025.

According to Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov, this project, carried out with Starlink, is critical for maintaining connectivity, particularly in emergencies or in areas where infrastructure is damaged. Komarov noted that the country’s telecom infrastructure has largely survived the recent surge in Russian attacks, with systems now operating for up to 10 hours even during nationwide power outages.