Elon Musk’s Starlink Signs Major Deal With Ukraine
December 30, 2024
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Elon Musk’s Starlink has launched a new collaboration with digital operator VEON in a bid to provide enhanced satellite connectivity to Ukraine.
Kyivstar, VEON’s operator in Ukraine, said it was “committed to leaving no stone unturned” in supporting communications in the country, as the war with Russia continues to significantly impact the western regions of Ukraine.
Newsweek contacted the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense for comment on this development via email.
Why It Matters
The new collaboration will expand existing 4G coverage to remote areas of Ukraine, ensuring the country has internet and communication access even during blackouts, which happen frequently due to Russian interference.
Starlink previously faced criticism after downed Russian drones were found to have Starlink terminals, indicating that the Russian military were using parts of the company’s network.
What To Know
The new collaboration will give VEON’s Ukraine operator Kyivstar access to Starlink’s direct-to-cell services, making Ukraine one of the first countries in the world to have access to the feature.
The project is expected to roll out in the fourth quarter of 2025, with plans for expansion expected in 2026 and beyond.
Kyiv has used Starlink’s internet access extensively since the war first escalated in 2022, for both battlefield communications and for controlling Ukraine’s vast drone fleets, which are used in strikes against Russian infrastructure.
The Ukrainian army using mobile to connect to the Starlink at the base of the first assault battalion named after “Da Vinci” on June 15, 2024 in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. A new collaboration will see… The Ukrainian army using mobile to connect to the Starlink at the base of the first assault battalion named after “Da Vinci” on June 15, 2024 in Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. A new collaboration will see Ukraine receive greater coverage from Starlink.
Getty Images
Starlink has been at the heart of communication developments in Eastern Europe since the outbreak of the Ukraine invasion. The satellite company provided coverage to the country in the wake of Russian military aggression, though prominent Ukrainian leaders clashed with Musk over the extent to which Starlink enabled retaliation.
What People Are Saying
Kaan Terzioglu the CEO of VEON Group, said in a statement: “Kyivstar has done a tremendous job in investing in Ukraine’s 4G connectivity, expanding coverage to remote areas and increasing the energy resilience of its network. Today’s announcement helps us take our commitment to Ukraine’s connectivity to the next level, exponentially amplifying the resilience of our services with satellite connectivity.
“We are excited to work with Starlink to make Ukraine one of the leading countries in the world to have direct-to-cell services, and we look forward to exploring the opportunities across our markets that are home to 520 million people.”
Oleksandr Komarov, the CEO of Kyivstar, said: “Kyivstar has been the backbone of Ukraine’s resilience throughout the war, and we are committed to leaving no stone unturned to keep Ukraine connected. Our collaboration with Starlink is a game-changer in our journey towards achieving our ‘LTE everywhere’ ambition.
“We are humbled to be the operator that serves its customer with exceptional services, and the company that brings the invaluable capabilities of global technology giants to the people of Ukraine through our international partnerships.”
What Happens Next
The Ukraine war enters its third year of invasion in 2025, with escalations on both sides leading to greater military action in the western regions of the country. Ukrainian infrastructure is expected to remain under constant attack from Russian strikes.
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