Kyivstar (Ukraine’s largest telecom operator) has announced an agreement with Starlink (a division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX) to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to the whole country.
Attacks On Communications Infrastructure By Russia
The partnership promises to be a significant technological advancement for Ukraine’s connectivity infrastructure that could revolutionise the way Ukrainians stay connected, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Since the Russian invasion began, Ukraine’s telecommunications infrastructure has faced relentless attacks, with over 1,200 base stations damaged or destroyed and countless others reliant on backup power due to energy blackouts. As well as providing a new way for Ukrainians to stay connected, the partnership could also enhance the resilience of the nation’s communications network.
Kyivstar
Kyivstar, which is partnering with SpaceX to provide the new connectivity, is a household name in Ukraine, serving over 23 million mobile subscribers and more than one million home internet customers. Throughout the ongoing conflict with Russia, Kyivstar has played a critical role in maintaining network availability, reportedly averaging over 90 per cent despite very challenging circumstances (e.g. energy blackouts). Its substantial investments in 4G expansion and network resilience have also solidified its position as a cornerstone of Ukrainian telecommunications.
Owned by the VEON Group, a global digital operator headquartered in Dubai, Kyivstar benefits from VEON’s experience in connecting nearly 160 million customers across six countries. VEON has also been a significant investor in Ukraine, committing over USD 10 billion since 2013 and pledging an additional USD 1 billion towards the nation’s recovery and reconstruction efforts between 2023 and 2027.
Starlink Offers Connectivity from Space
Starlink, a division of SpaceX, which has Elon Musk as its CEO (now also essentially a member of the U.S. government), provides high-speed internet via a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites. During the war in Ukraine, Starlink terminals have been instrumental in maintaining internet access in conflict zones and areas affected by infrastructure damage.
Satellites Acting Like Virtual Cell Towers In Space
The newly announced direct-to-cell service leverages Starlink’s satellite technology to act as virtual cell towers in space. For example, these satellites, equipped with eNodeB modems, enable direct connections to standard mobile devices without the need for specialised hardware or apps. This direct connectivity from Starlink satellites is designed to work wherever there is an unobstructed view of the sky, offering text, voice, and data services to users, even in remote locations where traditional networks fall short.
Crucially, with Russia still waging war in Ukraine, the direct-to-cell service from Starlink effectively bypasses traditional ground-based infrastructure such as phone masts, which are vulnerable to attacks and damage. Therefore, by using satellites as virtual cell towers, communications can be maintained even if terrestrial infrastructure is destroyed or compromised.
The Agreement and Its Implications
Kyivstar’s partnership with Starlink actually makes it one of the first nations to adopt direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. The rollout, scheduled to begin in late 2025 with SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging services, will eventually expand to include voice and data, hopefully addressing some of the most pressing connectivity challenges facing Ukraine as the nation continues to endure attacks on its infrastructure.
For Ukrainians living in conflict zones or remote areas, the significance of this agreement can’t be overstated, i.e. by bypassing vulnerable terrestrial infrastructure such as phone masts, the direct-to-cell service ensures that people can stay connected even in the aftermath of targeted attacks. This resilience is vital not only for personal communication but also for emergency services, humanitarian coordination, and economic activity in affected regions.
As Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov recently said, “Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience throughout the war, and we are committed to leaving no stone unturned to keep Ukraine connected”. His comments reflect the company’s determination to meet the needs of a population under extraordinary strain. Komarov has also described the partnership with Starlink as a “game-changer,” particularly in the context of Kyivstar’s ‘LTE everywhere’ vision, which aims to extend reliable mobile coverage across the country.
VEON Group
Kyivstar is VEON Group’s digital operator in Ukraine and, in addition to acknowledging the partnership’s potential for supporting Ukraine’s people and economy during a period of immense difficulty, and ensuring that the country can recover and thrive in the future, VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu has highlighted the broader implications of the agreement. For example, on the company’s website, Terzioglu says, “Today’s announcement helps us take our commitment to Ukraine’s connectivity to the next level, exponentially amplifying the resilience of our services with satellite connectivity”. He also points to the potential for this collaboration to serve as a model for other markets in VEON’s portfolio, which collectively encompass 520 million people.
Advantages
The introduction of direct-to-cell technology in Ukraine, therefore, offers several key advantages, which are:
– Enhanced resilience. With satellite-powered connectivity, Kyivstar customers will remain connected even during terrestrial network outages. This is particularly crucial in a country grappling with war and frequent energy blackouts.
– Reaching the unreachable. Remote and underserved areas will benefit significantly, bridging the digital divide and ensuring no community is left behind.
– Emergency response. The capability to maintain communication during crises will bolster disaster management and humanitarian efforts.
– Economic development. Improved connectivity can stimulate economic growth by enabling businesses in rural areas to access global markets and services.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promise of the partnership, some challenges remain. For example, regulatory hurdles have already surfaced, with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deferring a SpaceX request to operate at higher signal strengths. Also, competitors such as AST SpaceMobile are vying for a share of the burgeoning satellite-to-cell market, having secured partnerships with major telecom operators like Vodafone, Verizon, and AT&T.
The ambitious timeline for deployment, set against the backdrop of a war-torn Ukraine, may also require meticulous planning and execution, while ensuring affordability for end-users in a country where the economy has been significantly impacted by conflict could be a key concern.
It’s An Important Step Forward
Although challenges exist, the Kyivstar-Starlink agreement could represent a much-needed step forward for Ukraine’s telecommunications landscape. The combination of Kyivstar’s local expertise with Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology could mean that this partnership has the potential to redefine connectivity for millions of Ukrainians, and perhaps set a precedent for innovation in the face of serious adversity.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
Unlike other announcements of tech/comms business partnerships, the Kyivstar-Starlink partnership represents more than just a possible technological advancement, i.e. it could be a lifeline for a nation under siege. By leveraging satellite technology to bypass vulnerable ground infrastructure, this initiative has the potential to address critical challenges facing Ukraine’s communication network amidst ongoing conflict. With over 1,200 base stations already damaged and significant reliance on backup power during energy blackouts, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity is vital for personal communication, emergency response, and economic activity.
For the Ukrainian people, particularly those in remote or conflict-affected regions, this collaboration promises to bridge connectivity gaps and provide reliable communication channels during times of crisis. It also underscores the resilience and ingenuity of Ukraine’s telecom sector, with the VEON Group and its operator in Ukraine, Kyivstar, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to keeping the nation connected against all odds.
However, it’s also worth noting that the broader implications of this partnership go beyond Ukraine. For example, it sets a precedent for how satellite technology can be deployed to support connectivity in regions with disrupted or limited infrastructure. While challenges such as regulatory approvals, competition from other satellite providers, and affordability concerns remain, the groundwork laid by Kyivstar and Starlink could offer a compelling model for other markets facing similar challenges.
