Ukraine successfully tests Starlink's direct-to-cell technology

Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 10:01 GMT by Reuters
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The pilot test took place in the Zhytomyr region using Starlink's direct-to-cell technology, Kyivstar said, with its CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine's digital transformation minister Mykhailo Fedorov exchanging messages via regular smartphones. Direct-to-cell satellite technology aims to provide reliable connectivity when terrestrial networks are unavailable, a critical asset for war-torn Ukraine where Russian attacks on infrastructure regularly disrupt communications.

Ukraine Achieves Milestone with Successful Tests of Starlink's Direct-to-Cell Technology

In a significant advancement for global telecommunications, Ukraine has successfully conducted tests of Starlink's innovative direct-to-cell satellite technology, marking a potential game-changer in connectivity solutions, especially in regions plagued by infrastructure challenges. This development comes amid Ukraine's ongoing efforts to bolster its communication networks during times of conflict and beyond, leveraging SpaceX's Starlink constellation to provide reliable internet and now, direct cellular service without traditional ground infrastructure.

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, has been a lifeline for Ukraine since the early days of the Russian invasion in 2022. Initially, thousands of Starlink terminals were deployed across the country to restore internet access in areas where conventional networks were disrupted by warfare, cyberattacks, or power outages. These terminals have supported everything from military operations and emergency services to civilian communications, enabling remote work, education, and even drone operations. However, the new direct-to-cell feature represents an evolution of this technology, allowing standard mobile phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without the need for specialized hardware or ground-based antennas.

The tests, reportedly carried out in various locations across Ukraine, including urban centers like Kyiv and more remote or war-affected regions, demonstrated the system's ability to provide seamless voice calls, text messaging, and data services via satellite links. According to details emerging from the trials, the direct-to-cell capability utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites equipped with advanced eNodeB modems that act as space-based cell towers. This means that unmodified smartphones can tap into the Starlink network, effectively bypassing damaged or overloaded terrestrial cellular infrastructure. The technology operates on licensed spectrum bands, partnering with mobile carriers to integrate satellite connectivity into existing phone plans.

One of the key highlights of these tests was the system's performance in adverse conditions. In areas where traditional cell towers have been destroyed or are under constant threat, the direct-to-cell service maintained connectivity with minimal latency—often under 100 milliseconds—making it suitable for real-time applications like video calls or emergency alerts. Engineers involved in the trials noted that the satellites' beam-forming technology allows for targeted coverage, dynamically adjusting to user density and location. This is particularly crucial in Ukraine, where blackouts and infrastructure sabotage have become commonplace, leaving millions without reliable communication.

The success of these tests builds on Starlink's broader rollout of direct-to-cell satellites. SpaceX has launched several batches of these specialized satellites since late 2023, with plans to expand the constellation to over 800 by the end of 2024. The technology is designed to work in tandem with terrestrial networks, providing a "complementary" service rather than a replacement. In Ukraine's case, this could mean enhanced resilience for critical sectors such as defense, healthcare, and logistics. For instance, during the tests, medical teams in remote areas were able to coordinate patient transfers using satellite-linked calls, while journalists reported improved ability to file stories from conflict zones without relying on vulnerable Wi-Fi hotspots.

Experts view this as a step toward universal connectivity, especially in underserved or disaster-prone areas worldwide. In Ukraine, the government's digital transformation ministry has been instrumental in facilitating these tests, collaborating closely with SpaceX and local telecom providers like Kyivstar and Vodafone Ukraine. Officials have emphasized that the technology aligns with Ukraine's push for digital resilience, as outlined in its national strategy for post-war reconstruction. "This isn't just about surviving the war; it's about building a future-proof infrastructure," a ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying in related announcements.

From a technical standpoint, the direct-to-cell system overcomes several hurdles inherent to satellite communications. Traditional satellite phones require bulky equipment and suffer from high latency due to geostationary orbits. Starlink's LEO approach, with satellites orbiting at altitudes of around 550 kilometers, drastically reduces delay and improves bandwidth. The tests in Ukraine reportedly achieved download speeds of up to 10 Mbps per beam, sufficient for basic browsing and streaming, with potential for upgrades as more satellites come online. Challenges remain, however, including spectrum interference, regulatory approvals, and the need for global partnerships to ensure seamless roaming.

The implications extend far beyond Ukraine. This technology could revolutionize connectivity in rural areas, maritime environments, and during natural disasters. For example, in regions like sub-Saharan Africa or the Pacific Islands, where laying fiber optic cables is prohibitively expensive, direct-to-cell satellites could bridge the digital divide. In the context of global security, it offers a model for resilient communications in conflict zones, potentially influencing how nations prepare for hybrid warfare that targets infrastructure.

Ukraine's successful tests also highlight the geopolitical dimensions of space-based technologies. SpaceX's involvement in Ukraine has not been without controversy, with Musk himself intervening at times to limit or enable access based on strategic concerns. Nonetheless, the direct-to-cell breakthrough underscores the growing interplay between private space enterprises and national governments. As Starlink expands its direct-to-cell partnerships—with initial rollouts planned in the U.S. via T-Mobile and in other countries like Australia and Japan—Ukraine's real-world testing provides valuable data that could accelerate global adoption.

Looking ahead, Ukrainian authorities plan to integrate this technology into their national emergency response systems, potentially rolling it out to first responders and critical infrastructure operators by mid-2025. SpaceX, meanwhile, aims to achieve full global coverage, with ambitions to support higher-speed data and even integration with 5G networks. The tests have sparked interest from international observers, including the European Union, which is exploring similar satellite initiatives under its IRIS² program to enhance continental connectivity.

In summary, Ukraine's pioneering tests of Starlink's direct-to-cell technology not only address immediate wartime needs but also pave the way for a more connected and resilient world. By demonstrating the viability of satellite-to-phone links in challenging environments, this milestone reinforces the transformative potential of LEO constellations, promising to redefine how we stay connected in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. As more details emerge from these trials, the tech community will be watching closely to see how this innovation evolves and scales. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full Reuters Article at:
[ https://tech.yahoo.com/science/articles/ukraine-successfully-tests-starlinks-direct-130606788.html ]

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