Starlink Direct to Cell satellite telephony service launches in Ukraine

The Ukrainian mobile operator Kyivstar is now offering its customers the ability to communicate via satellite on the go. According to Kyivstar, Ukraine is thus the first European country in which SpaceX's Starlink Direct to Cell service is available.

Initially, users could only send text messages via the Starlink satellites, Kyivstar announced. Other services, such as voice telephony, are to follow later. However, there is currently not enough bandwidth available for this.

Starlink Direct to Cell is available throughout the country, except in the Russian-occupied territories, border regions, and combat zones. To use the service, a 4G-enabled Android smartphone is required, and the device must be outdoors. With the next update of Apple's mobile operating system iOS, the service will be activated for the iPhone 13 and newer models, according to Kyivstar.

SMS as the most important communication channel

Due to the war, the terrestrial infrastructure in some regions of the country is damaged or destroyed, so telephony and messengers often do not work. SMS is therefore "the most important and reliable communication channel," explained Kyivstar. It allows users to stay in touch with relatives or request help in emergencies. In addition, rescue services or humanitarian missions are to use this channel for communication.

"In Ukraine, where power outages and damage to infrastructure have become a reality, staying connected means staying safe. In critical moments, every message matters – it can be life-saving," said Kyivstar CEO Alexander Komarov. "With the introduction of Starlink Direct to Cell technology, we are starting with a vital function – SMS exchange. Millions of Ukrainians will thus have the opportunity to stay connected even under the most difficult conditions."

(wpl)