Under an agreement between Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, and the Veon Group, which owns Kyivstar, this technology will first be implemented in SMS text messages, with plans to expand it to include voice calls and data services starting next year.
Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov stated in a statement: “Staying connected in Ukraine means staying safe,” and affirmed that this service will significantly enhance network resilience. It is noted that the company provides services to approximately 22.5 million subscribers within Ukraine.
This service will allow users to use their regular smartphones, which rely on the 4G network, during extended power outages, and in newly recovered areas where terrestrial networks may be damaged or under repair. In addition, the service will support rescue operations and humanitarian missions.
Direct satellite-to-phone communication technology relies on connecting smartphones directly to satellite networks in orbit, which in turn redirect communication signals to ground stations. Starlink essentially provides internet service via a wide range of satellites in low Earth orbit, and is widely used in remote areas and conflict zones. (CNBC)
