(Kyiv, Ukraine) – In a groundbreaking development for telecommunications services in war-stricken Ukraine, Kyivstar has become the first mobile operator in Europe to launch nationwide direct to cell service through Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellite technology. The service, which went live on Monday November 24th, enables all Kyivstar subscribers with 4G smartphones to communicate via satellite in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are unavailable.
The landmark agreement between Kyivstar and Starlink allows Kyivstar customers in Ukraine to send and receive SMS messages directly through satellites using standard 4G smartphones, without requiring any specialized hardware, firmware modifications, or additional applications. The technology is particularly crucial for the country as it continues to face infrastructure challenges and power outages as a result of the war.
Since 2022, Kyivstar has made significant investments in its broader network, which have increased the network’s resilience more than fourfold. The new Direct to Cell technology, which Kyivstar has been testing for several months before its formal launch, represents the latest proactive measures the company has taken to enhance connectivity for its customers.
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