VEON's Kyivstar Surpasses 3 Million Users for Starlink Direct to Cell Services
Date: January 15, 2026
Dubai and Kyiv, January 15, 2026 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator, has announced that its subsidiary, Kyivstar (Nasdaq: KYIV; KYIVW), has successfully registered over 3.0 million users for its Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity services. This development represents more than 10% of the total mobile subscribers on the Kyivstar network.
Key Milestones Since Launch
Since the service launched on November 24, 2025, more than 1.2 million SMS messages have been transmitted using satellite connectivity. The technology has proven invaluable, particularly in Ukraine's southern and eastern regions, highlighting VEON's and Kyivstar's commitment to providing resilient communication solutions amid challenging circumstances.
- 3.0 million: Registered users on Direct to Cell services.
- 10%: Percentage of Kyivstar’s mobile subscribers using the service.
- 1.2 million: SMS messages delivered via satellite since launch.
Expanding Connectivity Across Ukraine
The satellite technology has seen the most extensive use in five major cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipro. Kaan Terzioğlu, VEON Group CEO and Executive Chairman of Kyivstar, stated, "The rapid adoption of Starlink Direct to Cell services by Kyivstar subscribers demonstrates the critical importance of enhancing Ukraine’s resilience and our customers’ appreciation for the availability of satellite-based connectivity."
Terzioğlu further noted, "We will continue to lead the way in providing innovative services that Ukraine needs to build its digital future and in meeting the ever-growing demand of our customers for digital connectivity."
Accessibility and Future Plans
The Starlink Direct to Cell service is available free of charge to all 4G smartphone users on the Kyivstar network, which encompasses approximately 15.5 million subscribers. It operates seamlessly without requiring any modifications to device settings, as long as users have a clear line of sight to the sky.
Additionally, VEON’s Beeline Kazakhstan has successfully tested Starlink Direct to Cell services, marking a significant step forward. Following these successful trials, Beeline Kazakhstan plans to roll out Starlink Direct to Cell connectivity for its customers beginning with SMS services in 2026, contingent on regulatory approval.
About VEON and Kyivstar
VEON is a digital operator providing connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million users globally. The company operates in five countries, which represent over 6% of the world's population, aiming to enhance lives through technology-driven services.
Kyivstar Group Ltd. operates as Ukraine’s leading digital operator and intends to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027. This investment will focus on infrastructure development, technology enhancement, and strategic acquisitions.
Starlink Direct to Cell Overview
Starlink Direct to Cell is the world's largest satellite constellation, featuring over 650 satellites in low-Earth orbit. This innovative service provides seamless data, voice, video, and messaging functionality across previously unreachable mobile dead zones, connecting more than 12 million customers globally.