VEON’s Kyivstar Reaches 3.0 million Customers with Starlink Direct to Cell Services

Core Insights - VEON Ltd. announced that Kyivstar has surpassed 3.0 million registered users for Direct to Cell satellite connectivity services, representing over 10% of its mobile subscribers [1][2] Group 1: Service Adoption and Impact - Since the launch of the service on November 24, 2025, more than 1.2 million SMS messages have been delivered via satellite connectivity, highlighting its importance in southern and eastern Ukraine [2] - The technology has been predominantly utilized in five cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipro, emphasizing the need for reliable communication in these regions [2] Group 2: Company Statements and Future Plans - Kaan Terzioğlu, VEON Group CEO, stated that the rapid adoption of Starlink Direct to Cell services reflects the critical need for enhanced resilience in Ukraine and the demand for satellite-based connectivity [3] - Starlink Direct to Cell is available free of charge to all 4G smartphone users on the Kyivstar network, which includes approximately 15.5 million subscribers, without requiring changes to device settings [3] Group 3: Expansion and Testing - VEON's Beeline Kazakhstan has successfully tested Starlink Direct to Cell services, planning to introduce SMS services in 2026, pending regulatory approval [4] Group 4: Company Overview - VEON operates across five countries, providing connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity users and 140 million digital users, aiming to drive economic growth through technology [5] - Kyivstar Group Ltd. plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure, technological development, and strategic acquisitions [6]