Starlink Direct to Cell gathered over 3 million users in Ukraine in just 2 months

VEONGroup has announced that its more than 3 million users have registered for Starlink Direct to Cell satellites in Ukraine.

The service started in November 2025 through a partnership with Kyivstar, Ukraine’s main mobile operator. It’s a significant achievement that a mobile operator has gathered such a massive user base in two months.

This satellite technology lets regular 4G smartphones send and receive text messages (SMS) directly from space. Users do not need special equipment or any software changes in their phones. The service is free for about 15.5 million Kyivstar customers who have 4G phones. It works when normal mobile signals are weak or missing.

Since the launch on November 24, 2025, over 1.2 million SMS messages have been sent using the satellite link. The service has been very useful in the southern and eastern parts of Ukraine. These areas often face network problems due to the ongoing conflict. People there rely on it to stay in touch with family, friends, and emergency services.

The fast signup rate shows how much the service is needed. It now covers over 10% of Kyivstar’s total mobile users. The highest use comes from cities like Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipro, but it helps across much of the country.

Starlink Direct to Cell uses satellites in low-Earth orbit to connect directly to phones. Currently, it handles text messages only, but SpaceX plans to launch voice calls and internet data in the coming years.

This step strengthens communication in Ukraine in the ongoing scenario. It shows how this advanced technology is supporting regular mobile networks and keeps people connected when there’s no other option establish a connection.

(source)