Kyivstar and Starlink Launch Satellite Communication: SMS Without Base Stations.

According to inkorr.com: The mobile operator 'Kyivstar' together with the company Starlink, founded by Elon Musk, has introduced a new service called Direct to Cell. This innovation allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for base stations.

According to the operator, the first stage of testing will take place from October to November 2025. Owners of Android smartphones that support LTE can participate in the testing.

At the initial stage, subscribers will only be able to send and receive SMS messages. Voice calls and mobile internet will only appear after the commercial launch, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Participants in the testing will have the service free of charge, with no additional charges. Additionally, each participant will receive a bonus of 100 SMS per month.

Coverage Throughout Ukraine

The Direct to Cell service will be available across all of Ukraine, helping to address the issue of 'white spots' in connectivity and providing communication in remote areas. However, in some territories, such as temporarily occupied regions and areas of active combat, this service is not available. In the Dnipropetrovsk and Chernihiv regions, the new service is currently unavailable, but the company plans to expand coverage to these regions in the future.

Previously, the companies lifecell, Kyivstar, and Vodafone provided advice to pensioners on reducing communication costs.

Kyivstar together with Starlink has launched the testing of a new satellite communication service that will allow subscribers to connect directly to satellites, bypassing base stations. This service will be free for testing participants and will facilitate communication in areas with limited access to traditional networks. The coverage of Direct to Cell will encompass all of Ukraine except for temporarily occupied territories and combat zones.

This service could be an important step in improving communication in Ukraine, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas. It will not only promote communication among people but also assist in urgent communications in conditions where regular mobile networks are inefficient.