Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading mobile network operator, has conducted the first direct-to-cell test using Starlink technology in Eastern Europe, marking a significant step in enhancing communication resilience in conflict zones. The test demonstrates how Starlink’s satellite-based connectivity can provide alternative communication channels when traditional cellular networks are down, especially during power outages caused by Russian strikes on critical infrastructure.
This innovation is part of a broader effort by Ukraine to maintain communication infrastructure amid ongoing hostilities. Kyivstar’s trial with Starlink technology aims to ensure that critical communications remain uninterrupted, even in the face of deliberate attacks on infrastructure. The collaboration between Kyivstar and SpaceX’s Starlink highlights the growing importance of satellite-based communication solutions in modern warfare and disaster response scenarios.
With the potential to restore connectivity in areas where cellular networks have been disabled, this test could have significant implications for both civilian and military operations in Ukraine. As Kyivstar continues to explore ways to enhance its network resilience, the success of this trial could pave the way for more widespread adoption of satellite communication technologies in regions with limited or disrupted terrestrial connectivity.