Ukrainian operator Kyivstar secured domestic regulatory approval to conduct testing of Starlink’s direct-to-device (D2D) services, paving the way for a commercial launch in Q4.
Veon-owned Kyivstar stated it received the green light from the Ukraine National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services, following successful integration of the operator’s core mobile network with Starlink’s satellite-based service.
The companies added they completed testing on the integration of Kyivstar’s SIMs with Starlink’s satellite network at a partner technology evaluation lab in the US.
They added the tests confirmed Kyivstar SIMs are compatible with Starlink’s D2D system.
Elon Musk-owned Starlink struck a deal to introduce space-based connectivity to Ukraine at the start of 2025, with plans to offer SMS and OTT messaging functionality beginning in Q4, before expanding to voice and data in the future.
Field testing is planned to commence in select Ukrainian regions in the coming months.
Kyivstar added it already allocated the required spectrum to launch the service and is adapting its infrastructure to enable this.
Deal doubts
The initial agreement was thrown into doubt shortly after being signed, with media outlets reporting at the time the European Union was seeking a replacement satellite connectivity provider due to worsening relations between Europe and the US, given Musk’s strong links to President Donald Trump.
Musk has since left the US government in an official capacity and was embroiled in a high-profile spat with President Trump this month.