VEON’s Kyivstar Advances Direct-to-Cell Services With Starlink Integration and Regulatory Approval for Testing
Dubai and Kyiv, June 18, 2025 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON” or the “Company”), today announces that Kyivstar, its digital operator in Ukraine, has received regulatory approval to conduct testing of Starlink Direct-to-Cell (D2C) services from the Ukrainian National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services (NCEC). Today’s regulatory approval for field testing follows successful integration of Kyivstar’s core mobile network with Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service.
Successful testing on the integration of Kyivstar’s SIM card with Starlink’s satellite network was recently completed at a partner technology evaluation lab in the United States. The success of the tests confirmed that Kyivstar SIM cards are compatible with the Starlink D2C system, marking a major technical milestone toward launching D2C services in Ukraine.
The planned launch of D2C services with support for SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging is scheduled for Q4 2025 and is expected to further enhance Kyivstar’s ability to provide essential connectivity for Ukraine, especially in areas impacted by infrastructure damage and rural regions, as well as during emergencies. Field testing is planned to commence in select Ukrainian regions this summer, beginning with text message services.
“Kyivstar remains at the forefront of ensuring Ukraine’s connectivity, especially during challenging times,” stated Oleksandr Komarov, CEO of Kyivstar. “This partnership with Starlink underscores our determination to provide uninterrupted communication to our customers, regardless of circumstances. Deployment of this technology highlights our commitment to innovation and service reliability.”
This initiative is being implemented in coordination with NCEC, which has officially granted permission for field testing of this technology in Ukraine. Kyivstar has already allocated the required spectrum to launch the service and is adapting its infrastructure for full integration ahead of the scheduled launch.
“In times of war, when communication and connectivity are essential humanitarian needs, VEON and Kyivstar are committed to investing in technologies that ensure connectivity for Ukraine and keep critical channels open,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. “With the integration of satellite constellations, we are further enhancing Ukraine’s connectivity.”
About VEON
VEON is a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers. Operating across six countries that are home to more than 7% 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: .
About Kyivstar
Kyivstar is Ukraine's largest digital operator, serving more than 23 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million Home Internet fixed line customers as of December 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 and Kyivstar have committed to invest USD 1 billion into the development of new telecom technologies in Ukraine over 2023-2027. Kyivstar has allocated over UAH 2 billion over the past two years to help Ukraine overcome wartime challenges, including providing support for the Armed Forces, clients and social projects. Kyivstar has been operating in Ukraine for 27 years and is recognized a leading employer and a top contributor to socially important initiatives.
Disclaimer
This release contains “forward-looking statements”, as the phrase is defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and include statements relating to, among other things, VEON’s strategic priorities, operating model and development plans as well as VEON’s ability to achieve anticipated results and business objectives. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which VEON cannot predict with accuracy and some of which VEON might not even anticipate. The forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date of this release. VEON does not undertake to publicly update, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws, any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such dates or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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