12 Aug 2025VEON's Kyivstar Delivers First Messages via Starlink in Direct to Cell Satellite Connectivity Test in Ukraine Dubai and Kyiv, August 12, 2025 - VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator, today announces that Kyivstar, its digital operator in Ukraine, has successfully conducted a test of satellite and terrestrial network integration using Starlink Direct to Cell technology. This is the first field test of of Starlink Direct to Cell in eastern Europe.
During the pilot in the Zhytomyr region, Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, exchanged messages directly via Starlink Direct to Cell satellite using regular 4G-enabled smartphones. The successful exchange confirmed the technology's viability for Ukraine.
Direct to Cell data service from Starlink, which will enable video communication via messaging apps, is still being developed and tested, and is planned to be made available to a wider audience in the future.
This marks a major milestone in integrating satellite connectivity into Ukraine's telecommunications infrastructure, with the aim of providing reliable and resilient connectivity when terrestrial connectivity is unavailable. Kyivstar and Starlink intend to commercially launch Direct to Cell connectivity in the fourth quarter of the year starting with messaging services.
Ukraine has become the first country in Eastern Europe to conduct field testing of the Direct to Cell technology. This is an important step in the development of infrastructure that will provide access to communication even in places where traditional networks are absent. Despite all the challenges of wartime, we continue to develop innovative solutions, because reliable communication under any circumstances and in any location is one of our key priorities. Therefore, this Kyivstar project is an example of effective partnership between the state, business, and technology companies, which opens the way to the future of communication without borders, said Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
This cutting-edge technology is a breakthrough for Ukraine as well as Kyivstar. We continue to invest in the most advanced technologies, not only to provide seamless services for Ukrainians today, but also to define the connectivity landscape of Ukraine for the future. We look forward to making this transformative capability available for our customers in the coming months, said Oleksandr Komarov, Kyivstar CEO.
Our partnership with Starlink integrates terrestrial networks with satellite platforms, ensuring that nothing stands between our customers and connectivity - not power outages, deserts, mountains, floods, earthquakes or even landmines, added Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. For Kyivstar and Ukraine, this is more than backup: it's a fully resilient, next-generation network architecture. By combining ground and space-based infrastructure, we are redefining what reliable connectivity means in humanitarian and crisis situations, and we look forward to extending this capability across our other markets.
While continuing to invest in Ukraine's resilient infrastructure, Kyivstar and VEON are also progressing towards the listing of Kyivstar Group Ltd, Kyivstar's parent company, on Nasdaq Stock Market ( Nasdaq ) in collaboration with Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp I ( Cohen Circle ; Nasdaq: CCIR). Following the completion of the business combination with Cohen Circle, Kyivstar Group Ltd is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol KYIV.
About VEON
VEON is a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 170 million customers. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world's population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com.
About Kyivstar
Kyivstar is Ukraines largest digital operator, serving approximately 23 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million home internet fixed line customers as of December 31, 2024. The company provides services across a wide range of mobile and fixed line technologies, including 4G, big data, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, digital TV, and more. VEON, together with Kyivstar, intends to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine during 2023-2027, through investments in infrastructure and technological development, charitable donations and strategic acquisitions. Kyivstar has been operating in Ukraine for. For more information, visit: www.kyivstar.ua.
About Starlink Direct to Cell
As the world's leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is leveraging its deep experience with both spacecraft and on orbit operations to deploy and operate the world's most advanced constellation of satellites to provide connectivity globally, including directly to most cellular devices. Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner. Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions, providing peace of mind when customers need it most. Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data. Learn more at https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell Follow Starlink on X https://x.com/Starlink
No Offer or Solicitation
This press release shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the transactions mentioned herein or Kyivstar Group Lt
