Ukraine’s top carrier, Kyivstar, has announced plans to launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell mobile internet in 2026 making it the first operator in Europe to do so.
A partnership between Kyivstar (owned by VEON) and Starlink was signed in December 2024 to introduce satellite-to-cell connectivity, enabling regular 4G smartphones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without modifying hardware or software . Regulatory approval and technical integration—like SIM compatibility and network connectivity—have been completed. Field testing of SMS/OTT messaging began in mid-2025, with commercial rollout scheduled for Q4 2025, followed by voice and data services in 2026.
This is a game-changer for connectivity resilience, offering critical backup during blackouts, infrastructure damage, or in remote areas and conflict zones.
Ukraine will be among the first countries globally and the first in Europe to offer Starlink mobile internet via satellite directly to everyday smartphones.
Kyivstar’s “4G Everywhere” initiative is boosted by satellite reach, enhancing coverage across rural or disaster-affected regions.
What to Expect Next
Q4 2025: Launch of SMS and OTT messaging via Starlink.
2026: Expansion into voice and full data services for regular smartphones.
Ukraine is poised to lead Europe’s next frontier in mobile technology by 2026. This collaboration between Kyivstar and Starlink promises to reinvent connectivity, delivering uninterrupted service even beyond the reach of traditional networks.
Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has received its final regulatory approval to begin operations in India, signaling a significant step forward for both the company and the country’s expanding digital infrastructure. According to sources familiar with the matter, the final nod from India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) clears the path for a commercial rollout that could bring high-speed internet access to some of the country’s most remote regions.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, has long expressed interest in entering India—a nation with over 1.4 billion people and a growing appetite for reliable internet access. After over two years of navigating regulatory requirements, including licensing, spectrum coordination, and security clearances, the company now stands poised to deploy its services.
The approval reportedly includes a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite Services (GMPCS) license, allowing Starlink to offer satellite-based broadband across the country.
Why India Matters to Starlink
India represents a critical growth market for Starlink for several key reasons:
Massive rural population with limited access to traditional broadband infrastructure
A digitally driven government agenda, including “Digital India” and BharatNet
Rapidly expanding demand for low-latency internet in underserved regions
Competitive advantage over traditional ISPs in terrain-challenged areas like the Northeast, the Himalayas, and border states
With the rise in demand for connectivity in education, healthcare, agriculture, and small businesses, Starlink could play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide in the country.
What Comes Next
Now that regulatory barriers have been cleared, Starlink is expected to move forward with:
Deployment of ground infrastructure and user terminals
Finalizing local partnerships for distribution, sales, and compliance
Scaling up operations to serve both enterprise and residential users
Working closely with the Indian government on data sovereignty and security measures
Sources suggest that commercial services could begin within the next few quarters, depending on logistical readiness and satellite coverage alignment.
Local Competition and Policy Environment
Starlink’s entry adds a new layer of competition to India’s satellite broadband sector, which includes companies like:
OneWeb (partially owned by Bharti Group)
Amazon’s Project Kuiper (future entrant)
Jio Satellite Communications
The Indian government, meanwhile, has been updating its telecom and space policies to accommodate non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite-based services—recognizing their strategic role in digital expansion and national security.
Looking Ahead: India’s Satellite Internet Revolution
With Starlink’s regulatory approval now in place, India could soon witness a transformative shift in how internet access is delivered. From remote villages to disaster-prone areas, satellite internet promises to eliminate infrastructure barriers, reduce latency issues, and make connectivity truly universal.
Starlink’s launch is not just about offering a new internet service—it marks the beginning of a broader space-tech and connectivity revolution in one of the world’s most dynamic and populous nations.
