Starlink Successfully Tests Direct-to-Cell Satellite Technology in Ukraine

Starlink has demonstrated its direct-to-cell satellite technology in Ukraine, marking a significant advancement in emergency communications. The pilot test, conducted in the Zhytomyr region, involved Kyivstar's CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov exchanging messages via standard smartphones connected through the system.

The technology enables mobile phones to link directly with orbiting satellites, bypassing the need for additional hardware. This innovation is particularly critical for Ukraine, where Russian attacks frequently disrupt traditional mobile and internet infrastructure. Starlink's solution uses satellites equipped with cellular modems to BEAM signals to ground devices, supporting voice, text, and eventually broadband data without terrestrial networks.

'Direct-to-cell technology aims to provide reliable connectivity,' officials noted, underscoring its potential for crisis zones. The successful test positions Starlink as a key player in resilient communication systems amid geopolitical instability.