Ukraine is set to make history. Kyivstar, the country’s top telecom company, is bringing Starlink mobile internet to Europe—before anyone else.
“The first phase is over-the-top (OTT) messaging … so messaging via WhatsApp, Signal, and other systems … it will be in place at the end of this year,”
– Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov
This move makes Ukraine the first country in Europe to do it.
What Is Starlink Mobile Internet?
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, uses satellites to provide fast internet. These satellites act like cell towers in space. They send signals straight to your phone.
This is called direct-to-cell technology. It means your phone connects directly to a satellite, no towers needed.
Why Ukraine Is First
The reason? War.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been looking for new ways to stay connected, even during blackouts and attacks. Kyivstar’s CEO, Oleksandr Komarov, says the country is now much stronger than in 2022.
“We can run our services up to 10 hours during national blackouts,” he said.
Kyivstar started testing the system this year. They signed a deal with SpaceX in 2024. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal will work first. Full internet and calls will follow in 2026.
Global Race for Satellite Internet
The U.S. is also moving fast. T-Mobile will launch its own Starlink-powered mobile service this October.
But Ukraine is moving faster in Europe.
Komarov believes this is a powerful moment not just for Kyivstar, but for the whole country.
“It will be the first time a Ukrainian company is directly listed on the NASDAQ during war,” he said.
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