Ukraine has tested the revolutionary Starlink Direct to Cell technology for the first time. It allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites without special antennas or equipment. The technology could keep communications running even during massive attacks and blackouts, says Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

How Starlink Direct to Cell works?

Unlike traditional Starlink, smartphones connect to satellites like they would to a mobile tower, using standard LTE or 5G.

“Ukraine has become one of the first countries in the world where Starlink Direct to Cell works — direct satellite connection without antennas or additional hardware, requiring only 4G and a SIM card,” explains Svyrydenko.

The technology offers global coverage, from mountains and steppes to remote villages and even the ocean. As early as autumn 2025, Kyivstar plans to launch the first stage, enabling SMS messaging from anywhere in Ukraine-controlled territory.

Why is it critical during wartime? 

From 2022 to 2025, Russia destroyed around 73% of Ukraine’s thermal power plants. Continuous strikes on energy and communications infrastructure have caused long rolling blackouts.

“In wartime, when the Russians deliberately target energy and communications, this technology is a matter of security. Ukrainians will be able to stay connected even in the most remote locations,” Svyrydenko stresses.

Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has confirmed, “We successfully exchanged our first text messages via satellite directly from smartphones.”

When Starlink Direct to Cell will launch?

The technology is being rolled out in partnership with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. Beta testing is underway, and an official launch in Ukraine is planned for the fall of 2025.