Data Management

VEON partners with Starlink in direct-to-cell for Kyivstar customers

VEON, a global digital and telecommunications operator, has partnered with Starlink, a satellite services division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, to provide direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to Kyivstar customers.

Image: Adobe Stock

January 2, 2025

VEON, a global digital and telecommunications operator, has partnered with Starlink, a satellite services division of Elon Musk's SpaceX, to provide direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to Kyivstar customers, according to a press release.

Kyivstar is VEON's telecommunications subsidiary serving Ukraine, and Ukraine will be one of the first nations to receive the technology.

Kyivstar plans rolling out SMS and OTT messaging functionality in Q4 2025, with voice and data service to come at a later date.

"Kyivstar has done a tremendous job in investing in Ukraine's 4G connectivity, expanding coverage to remote areas and increasing the energy resilience of its network," Kaan Terzioglu, CEO at VEON Group, said in the release. "Today's announcement helps us take our commitment to Ukraine's connectivity to the next level, exponentially amplifying the resilience of our services with satellite connectivity. We are excited to work with Starlink to make Ukraine one of the leading countries in the world to have direct-to-cell services, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities across our markets that are home to 520 million people."