A new partnership has been forged between SpaceX’s Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, and Ukraine’s top mobile operator, Kyivstar PJSC. This collaboration aims to provide satellite-based cellular services in Ukraine, enhancing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
What Happened: Kyivstar has signed an agreement with Starlink to offer satellite connectivity, protecting telecom infrastructure from Russian attacks. This partnership will allow Kyivstar users to access space-based connectivity when the terrestrial network is compromised, Bloomberg reported on Monday.
The company plans to launch text messaging via this technology by the fourth quarter of 2025, with future expansions to include voice and data services. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian infrastructure, including telecommunications, has been frequently targeted.
Starlink’s portable terminals have become crucial for Ukraine’s military and civilian communications, providing high-speed broadband internet. Earlier this year, SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, launched its first satellites to offer direct-to-cell service. The Federal Communications Commission in the U.S. recently approved SpaceX to provide some mobile phone coverage. The company has also partnered with T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS to reach customers in areas lacking coverage.
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Veon Ltd., the parent company of Kyivstar, committed to investing $1 billion over five years to rebuild Ukraine’s digital infrastructure, further supporting the nation’s connectivity amid ongoing challenges.
Why It Matters: The partnership between Starlink and Kyivstar is a significant development in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to maintain connectivity amid the conflict with Russia. Recently, Ukraine received 150 Starlink units from Poland, underscoring the importance of satellite technology in restoring communication in liberated regions. However, Musk has expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of providing these services for free.
Additionally, Russian state-backed hackers have targeted Ukrainian military devices using Starlink connections, highlighting the strategic importance of secure communications. To bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, SpaceX secured a Pentagon contract to extend Ukraine’s access to Starshield, a government-focused version of Starlink, further emphasizing the critical role of satellite technology in national security.
Investors can leverage Destiny Tech100 Inc. DXYZ and Cathie Wood‘s Ark Venture Fund ARKVX to participate in SpaceX’s growth.
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