Ukraine sets satellite-based mobile communication launch date under Mask initiative
In a groundbreaking move, Ukraine is set to become the first European country to offer full mobile services using Starlink technology by mid-2026. This ambitious plan follows an agreement between Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
The rollout will occur in two phases, with over-the-top (OTT) messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal becoming available by the end of 2025. By early to mid-2026, Ukraine will provide mobile satellite broadband data and voice services, making it the first country in Europe to adopt Starlink’s direct-to-smartphone technology for such services.
This innovative service allows standard mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink’s satellite network, bypassing traditional cell towers. This connection will offer resilient communication even in remote or war-affected areas where cellular infrastructure is damaged or unavailable, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s communication resilience during emergencies or conflict. Kyivstar plans to integrate this capability as part of its “4G Everywhere” strategy to maintain communications despite disruptions to terrestrial networks.
The testing for this technology is already underway, with American mobile operator T-Mobile initiating large-scale testing of satellite connectivity using Starlink technology since February. The testing covers nearly 1.3 million square kilometers of previously inaccessible US territory for cellular towers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also set to participate in this historic event. Alexander Komarov, the CEO of the operator "Kyivstar", made this announcement ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10-11.
It is worth noting that Swiss operator Salt has previously signed an agreement with Starlink, but their launch is limited to text messages and pilot projects, not a full-scale commercial launch of all services via satellite. Future plans for the testing include voice and data functions, enabling access to high-speed internet and mobile connectivity in remote and hard-to-reach regions of Ukraine.
This development marks a significant step forward in Ukraine's digital transformation, providing its citizens with uninterrupted mobile services even in the face of adversity.
Science and technology are set to play a significant role in Ukraine's digital transformation, as Kyivstar plans to integrate direct-to-smartphone Starlink technology for mobile satellite broadband data and voice services, making it the first country in Europe to adopt such technology. Space-and-astronomy, notably Starlink, is expected to enhance Ukraine's communication resilience during emergencies or conflict, bypassing traditional cell towers and offering resilient communication even in remote areas.
