Starlink Mobile Services Launch in Ukraine: A New Era

Ukraine is set to become the first European nation to introduce mobile services from Starlink. Messaging features are expected to go live by the end of the year, with mobile satellite broadband access anticipated in mid-2026.

This was reported by Reuters, referencing comments from Olexandr Komarov, CEO of "Kyivstar".

Field tests have already commenced under an agreement established with Space towards the end of 2024. This initiative will enable Elon Musk's company to offer direct mobile communication services within Ukraine.

Communication will be facilitated through satellites equipped with modems, functioning similarly to cellular towers by transmitting phone signals from space directly to smartphones.

"The first phase involves messaging through OTT technologies (over-the-top messaging)... meaning messaging through platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and others," Komarov stated to Reuters in Rome.

He mentioned that this feature would be implemented by the year's end.

"And likely by early 2026, in the second quarter of 2026, we will be able to offer mobile satellite data transmission... and voice services," added the director of "Kyivstar".