Ukraine among first to launch Starlink Direct to Cell technology
Starlink Direct to Cell technology being launched in Ukraine (photo: t.me/zedigital)
Ukraine has launched a beta test of the unique Starlink Direct to Cell technology, which will allow Ukrainians to stay connected even in hard-to-reach areas, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov reported.
"This technology (Starlink Direct to Cell – ed.) will allow Ukrainians to stay connected without mobile network coverage via SMS," clarified the First Deputy Prime Minister.
Fedorov noted that the technology requires users to have only a 4G smartphone with a SIM or eSIM card. Expensive equipment will not be needed.
"Ukrainians can stay connected in hard-to-reach places: in the mountains, during bad weather, network outages, or power cuts. The main requirement for the technology is direct visibility of the sky," he said.
The official launch of Starlink Direct to Cell is planned for this autumn.
According to Fedorov, he tested the Starlink Direct to Cell technology together with Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov. They exchanged the first text messages via satellite.
Fedorov specified that, in addition to Ukraine, Starlink Direct to Cell is also being launched in Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand.
"Despite the war, we continue to develop innovative solutions, because reliable communication for every Ukrainian is one of our key priorities," he added.
Starlink Direct to Cell
Starlink Direct to Cell is a satellite communication service from SpaceX that allows regular LTE phones to connect directly to Starlink satellites without the need to modify hardware.
The satellites are equipped with a special eNodeB modem, which essentially functions as a cell tower in space, enabling the exchange of text messages and, later, voice calls and data transmission, even in areas without mobile network coverage.
Incidentally, on the morning of August 12, Fedorov announced a "super innovation" in mobile internet for Ukrainians. It is likely he was referring to the launch of Starlink Direct to Cell.
