VEON's Kyivstar Advances Direct-to-Cell Services With Starlink Integration and Regulatory Approval for Testing

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. announces that Kyivstar has received regulatory approval for testing Starlink Direct-to-Cell (D2C) services in Ukraine, marking a significant step towards enhancing connectivity in the region [1][4] - Successful integration of Kyivstar's SIM cards with Starlink's satellite network has been confirmed, indicating compatibility and paving the way for the launch of D2C services [2] - The planned launch of D2C services, which will support SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging, is set for Q4 2025, aimed at improving connectivity in areas affected by infrastructure damage and during emergencies [3] Company Overview - VEON is a digital operator serving nearly 160 million customers across six countries, focusing on technology-driven services that promote economic growth [5] - Kyivstar, as Ukraine's largest digital operator, serves over 23 million mobile subscribers and has committed to investing USD 1 billion in telecom technologies from 2023 to 2027 [6] - Kyivstar has allocated over UAH 2 billion in the past two years to support wartime challenges, including assistance to the Armed Forces and social projects [6]