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In less than 2 months since Starlink Direct to Cell launched in Ukraine, 3M+ people have subscribed to the satellite-to-mobile serviceVEON (@VEONGroup):📢 Kyivstar reaches 3 million registered users of Direct to Cell satellite connectivity services powered by @Starlink.Since the launch of Direct to Cell last November, more than 1.2 million SMS messages have been delivered through satellite connectivity, with the rapid adoption https://t.co/S8UhsmsMtb ...

In a short time, the satellite-to-mobile service has reached an unprecedented number of customers with life-saving connectivity Company opens access to testing satellite messaging on iPhone devices KYIV, Ukraine, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyivstar (Nasdaq: KYIV; KYIVW), Ukraine's leading digital operator, today announced that its strategic investment in Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology is delivering critical connectivity to Ukraine. Since launch in November 2025, over 3.0 million subscri ...

Core Insights - The satellite-to-mobile service by Kyivstar has rapidly gained over 3.0 million subscribers since its launch in November 2025, providing critical connectivity in Ukraine [1][2] - The service has been particularly vital in southern and eastern regions of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of connectivity in these areas [2] - Kyivstar has expanded access to satellite messaging for iPhone users, allowing devices running iOS 26.2 or later to connect to the "Kyivstar | SpaceX" network when terrestrial signals are lost [3] Company Overview - Kyivstar is a Nasdaq-listed holding company and Ukraine's leading digital operator, providing a wide range of connectivity and digital services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data, e-health, and digital TV [5] - The company serves over 22.5 million mobile customers and more than 1.2 million home internet fixed-line customers as of September 30, 2025 [6] - Kyivstar, in partnership with VEON, plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [6] Social Responsibility - Over the past three years, Kyivstar has allocated more than UAH 3.4 billion to support the Defense Forces and social projects, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility [7] - The company is recognized as a top employer and the largest taxpayer in the digital communications market in Ukraine [7]

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar has launched its first local pilot 5G project in Lviv, Ukraine, aiming to evaluate the technology's performance in urban conditions and expand coverage to other cities post-evaluation [1][2][3]. Group 1: 5G Pilot Project - The pilot project in Lviv is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine to enhance digital connectivity [1][2]. - Following successful evaluations, 5G coverage will be gradually expanded to cities like Kharkiv and Borodianka, with plans for Kyiv and Odesa in 2026 [2]. - The testing locations were chosen based on population density and infrastructure readiness, with a full-scale rollout contingent on the end of the war [2]. Group 2: Company Investments and Goals - Kyivstar is investing USD 1 billion from 2023 to 2027 to rebuild Ukraine's connectivity and digital infrastructure, which includes energy resilience and digital services [4][7]. - The company has already activated base stations for 5G in Lviv and conducted initial tests confirming its readiness for broader deployment [4]. - Kyivstar's 5G network achieved peak download speeds exceeding 2.4 Gbps during pre-launch testing, with ongoing efforts to modernize its 4G network [5]. Group 3: Social Responsibility and Market Position - Over the past three years, Kyivstar has allocated more than UAH 3.4 billion to support the Defense Forces and social projects amid wartime challenges [9]. - The company serves over 22.5 million mobile customers and is recognized as a leading digital operator in Ukraine, contributing significantly to the economy as a major taxpayer [6][9].

Core Insights - VEON's subsidiary, Kyivstar, has launched a 5G test zone in Lviv, marking its first local pilot project in Ukraine [1] - The pilot aims to assess network performance in urban conditions, with plans for gradual expansion to other cities like Kharkiv and Borodianka, and later Kyiv and Odesa in 2026 [2][3] - Kyivstar is investing USD 1 billion from 2023 to 2027 to enhance Ukraine's connectivity and digital infrastructure, including 5G and other advanced technologies [5][8] 5G Pilot Project - The 5G pilot in Lviv is a collaborative effort with the Ukrainian government, focusing on populous cities with existing infrastructure [3][4] - Full-scale 5G rollout will be considered post-war, while Kyivstar continues to enhance its 4G network, achieving peak speeds over 1 Gbps in some areas [3][4] - The 5G network in Ukraine will operate on two frequency bands: 3500 MHz for high speeds and 700 MHz for broader coverage, with peak download speeds exceeding 2.4 Gbps during testing [6] Company Commitment and Strategy - Kyivstar's CEO emphasized the company's role in driving digital transformation in Ukraine, including partnerships for satellite connectivity [5] - The company has conducted extensive preparations to ensure 5G activation does not interfere with military communications, having previously tested 5G in February 2024 [5] - Kyivstar's investments are aimed at supporting Ukraine's recovery and enhancing digital services, including a sovereign Ukrainian language model [5][8]

Core Insights - Kyivstar has made a strategic investment in the alternative energy sector by acquiring 100% of SUNVIN 11 LLC, which owns a solar power plant with a capacity of 12.947 MW for UAH 347.57 million (approximately USD 8.24 million) [1][2] Group 1: Investment Details - The acquisition of the solar power plant marks a new strategic direction for Kyivstar, focusing on developing its own energy-generating capacities [3] - The electricity produced will be supplied to Ukraine's unified energy system, allowing Kyivstar to hedge against fluctuations in electricity prices [4] - The solar plant is expected to generate electricity equivalent to about 4% of Kyivstar's annual consumption [4] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This investment is aimed at enhancing operational and financial stability while contributing to the development of renewable energy in Ukraine [2] - Kyivstar plans to explore additional acquisition opportunities in the alternative energy sector to diversify energy sources and mitigate operational risks [3] - The transaction reinforces Kyivstar's position as a major private investor in the Ukrainian economy and a technological leader committed to innovation for a sustainable future [5]

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar has made a strategic investment in the alternative energy sector by acquiring 100% of SUNVIN 11 LLC, which owns a solar power plant in Ukraine, valued at UAH 347.57 million (approximately USD 8.24 million) [1][2][3] Group 1: Investment Details - The acquisition includes a solar power plant with a capacity of 12.947 MW [1] - The investment aims to enhance Kyivstar's operational and financial stability while contributing to the development of renewable energy in Ukraine [2][3] - The electricity generated will be supplied to Ukraine's unified energy system, helping to hedge against electricity price fluctuations [4] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This investment marks a new strategic direction for Kyivstar, focusing on developing its own energy-generating capacities [3] - The company plans to diversify its energy sources and reduce operational risks related to energy supply instability [3] - Kyivstar aims to explore additional acquisition opportunities in the alternative energy sector [3] Group 3: Market Position - The transaction reinforces Kyivstar's position as one of the largest private investors in the Ukrainian economy [5] - It also establishes the company as a technological leader committed to driving innovation for a sustainable future in Ukraine [5]

Group 1 - The article presents a "Strong Buy" recommendation for a specific asset, indicating high confidence in its attractiveness based on calculations and analysis [1] - The author combines roles as an Investment Consultant and Active Intraday Trader, leveraging knowledge in economics and investment analysis to maximize returns [1] - The goal is to identify profitable and undervalued investment opportunities primarily in the U.S. market to build a high-yield, balanced portfolio [1] Group 2 - The analysis includes a combination of macro-economic analysis and real-world trading experience, emphasizing the author's educational background in Finance and Economics [1] - The article aims to provide clear, actionable investment ideas designed to build a balanced portfolio of U.S. securities [1]

Core Insights - Kyivstar is increasing efforts to maintain network operations amid challenges posed by Russian strikes affecting Ukraine's power grid [1] Company Measures - The CEO Oleksandr Komarov highlighted the company's proactive measures to ensure the stability of its network [1]