Ukraine Becomes Testing Ground for Starlink’s Mobile Network Innovation

Published: 13 Aug 2025

Author: Precedence Research

Share :

A leading and largest mobile operator in Ukraine, Kyivstar, has successfully performed the first field test of Starlink’s satellite technology, popularly known as direct-to-cell technology, in Eastern Europe. According to the statement released by Kyivstar, the pilot test was successfully performed in the region named Zhytomyr with the help of direct-to-cell technology. This message has been exchanged between the CEO of Kyivstar, Oleksandr Komarov, and Mykhailo Fedorov, who is the digital transformation minister of Ukraine. 

Why does this test matter?

Amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia, this test showed their one step to save their country from possible catastrophic consequences due to the ongoing war, in the sense that the Russian invasion has been majorly affecting and trying to destroy communication networks and major infrastructure in Ukraine. Therefore, a successful test of direct-to-cell technology of start link offers them a reliable shield of communication, which will be uninterrupted even during war-like conditions to tame its effect. Satellites utilized for these services are precisely equipped with advanced cellular modems. It's beneficial for precise networking patterns as they will work as cell towers in space and direct signals to smartphones on the ground. 

Telecom providers across the globe are adopting satellite internet practices due to their unprecedented benefits of connectivity, even in dead zones, like remote or underserved areas, where regular towers can not work efficiently due to their geographical hurdles, and it becomes too expensive to build towers and maintain their functionality in such areas. 
Starlink's success is truly undeniable, as it has signed a deal with telecommunication companies from 10 different countries to leverage a direct-to-cell service. However, Kyivsatr will be the first operator to employ it in a European region. 

Upcoming plans

In the upcoming couple of months, Starlink and Kyivstar plan to launch a direct-to-cell connectivity feature in the fourth quarter of 2025, and it will be integrated with message services. Mobile satellite broadband data will be made available for a wider range of consumers at the start of 2026, according to Komarov.