Ukraine Plans Europe’s First Starlink Mobile Satellite Internet by 2026

Ukraine is set to become the first European country to offer mobile satellite services via Starlink, the satellite network operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, with messaging services launching by the end of 2025 and full mobile broadband and voice connectivity expected by mid-2026. Kyivstar, Ukraine's leading mobile operator, has begun field testing a direct-to-cell (DTC) partnership with SpaceX that allows satellites to connect directly to smartphones, effectively acting as cell towers in space. This technology aims to provide internet access in rural and infrastructure-damaged areas, which is especially critical amid ongoing war-related challenges. Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov highlighted the improved resilience of Ukraine's telecom network, now capable of operating during extended blackouts, and also announced plans for Kyivstar's NASDAQ listing in 2025. The development follows previous use of Starlink by Ukrainian military and civilians since early 2022 and comes amid European efforts to explore alternatives to Starlink, such as Eutelsat. The rollout coincides with ongoing international support and investment discussions for Ukraine's recovery, including interest from global and Italian firms.