Ukraine is set to become the first European country to launch mobile satellite services via Starlink, with messaging services expected by the end of 2025 and full mobile broadband and voice services by mid-2026.

Field trials for these services have already begun under an agreement with SpaceX, focusing initially on over-the-top messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.

This initiative will utilize SpaceX's Direct-to-Cell technology, allowing direct satellite communication with smartphones, which is crucial for Ukraine given its ongoing conflict and damaged infrastructure.

Starlink has been a vital communication tool for Ukraine since early 2022, supporting military, humanitarian, and local efforts during the ongoing conflict, especially after a cyberattack on Viasat just before the invasion.

SpaceX delivered Starlink terminals to Ukraine on February 28, 2022, enabling the Ukrainian Defense Forces to maintain communication despite frequent power outages caused by Russian attacks.

Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading telecom provider, has demonstrated resilience during the conflict, maintaining service for up to 10 hours during blackouts, thanks in part to satellite internet.

Kyivstar’s CEO highlighted the importance of satellite technology for ensuring communication continuity amid power outages and infrastructure damage.

In summer 2025, Ukrainian mobile operators, including Kyivstar, Vodafone, and lifecell, updated their tariffs to offer better service options amid ongoing challenges.

Kyivstar is planning to list its shares on the NASDAQ in the third quarter of 2025, marking a historic milestone for a Ukrainian company operating during wartime.

Germany will finance a significant portion of Starlink services in Ukraine to support the country's communication infrastructure during the conflict.

Other countries, like the U.S., are also planning satellite-based SMS and MMS services, but Ukraine's urgent needs due to daily bombardments make this deployment particularly critical.

The project leverages Direct-to-Cell technology to transmit signals directly from satellites to smartphones, bypassing traditional towers, which is essential in war-torn regions.