Table of Contents
A significant collaboration between VEON and Starlink aims to introduce a new era of satellite-based mobile connectivity in Kazakhstan and Ukraine. VEON, the parent company of leading mobile operators Jazz, Beeline, and Kyivstar, has formally partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to launch Direct-to-Cell satellite services. This initiative will expand mobile network coverage and redefine connectivity in these regions by integrating Starlink’s satellite technology directly into VEON’s cellular infrastructure.
VEON’s Strategic Move To Enhance Connectivity in Kazakhstan and Ukraine
VEON officially announced a partnership with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet subsidiary, to start the rollout of Direct-to-Cell (D2C) connectivity. This innovative service will be accessible initially via VEON’s operators Beeline in Kazakhstan and Kyivstar in Ukraine. These two countries currently benefit from VEON’s extensive mobile networks, and the addition of Starlink’s satellite technology will help overcome traditional geographic and infrastructure challenges faced by terrestrial networks.
Direct-to-Cell technology allows mobile phones to connect directly to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites without the need for traditional ground-based cell towers or additional hardware. This capability enables a subsidiary cellular network capability based on satellite services, which is particularly useful in remote or traditionally underserved areas, where laying fiber or building cell towers may be costly or impractical.
VEON’s decision to limit the initial launch to Kazakhstan and Ukraine follows a tailored strategy based on market potential and infrastructure readiness. These countries have large, often rural areas where mobile network coverage can be inconsistent. The addition of satellite Direct-to-Cell connectivity offers customers improved call quality, messaging services, and basic mobile connectivity directly via Starlink’s LEO satellites, while seamlessly integrating with conventional cellular networks.
Read more on our article of, AMD and OpenAI Partnership: 6 Gigawatt GPU Deal That Redefines AI Power, published on October 11 2025, SquaredTech.
How VEON and Starlink’s Partnership Benefits Users and Mobile Networks
The integration of Starlink satellites into VEON’s existing network will enable a new level of connectivity. Mobile users in Kazakhstan and Ukraine will be able to enjoy access to voice and text services even when they are outside the range of standard cell towers. VEON’s operators will route traffic intelligently between traditional cellular networks and Starlink’s satellites to ensure smooth user experience.
This nonexclusive partnership allows VEON to explore satellite service as an additional network layer while continuing to negotiate and collaborate with other satellite providers. VEON is currently in discussions with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, AST SpaceMobile, and Eutelsat OneWeb for similar or complementary satellite connectivity options. Such a multi-provider approach gives VEON flexibility to optimize coverage and service quality across its footprint.
Although VEON is active in multiple countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, the current Starlink Direct-to-Cell rollout focuses exclusively on Kazakhstan and Ukraine. There are no immediate plans to extend Starlink’s satellite D2C service to other VEON markets at this time. However, this pilot phase may shape future network expansions depending on the success and performance of the new technology integration.
By positioning Starlink’s advanced satellite technology alongside its cellular networks, VEON can enhance coverage in difficult terrain or disaster-prone zones, extend connectivity into underserved rural areas, and improve network resilience overall. This collaboration represents an important step in bridging the mobile digital divide in critical regions.
Technical Aspects and Future Outlook of Direct-to-Cell Services
Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity breaks conventional communication barriers by enabling mobile phones to connect to orbiting satellites without extra equipment. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites operate in low Earth orbit, which reduces latency and improves the quality of calls compared to traditional satellite communications in high orbit.
For VEON customers, this means they could maintain essential connectivity beyond standard infrastructure coverage. Basic voice calls, SMS, and emergency communications become viable from areas usually considered dead zones. VEON’s network software will manage the handoff between terrestrial and satellite links, ensuring users experience minimal disruption as they move across coverage zones.
The move to satellite augmentation marks a trend in mobile telecommunications, where satellite and ground networks coalesce to provide comprehensive coverage. VEON’s collaboration with Starlink exemplifies how established carriers can harness new space-based technology to maintain service levels and meet increasing demand for connectivity.
Looking ahead, as Starlink expands its satellite constellation and VEON explores other satellite partnerships, satellite Direct-to-Cell technology could become a standard mobile enhancement. If VEON proceeds beyond Kazakhstan and Ukraine, this innovation might benefit mobile users across multiple countries where network coverage gaps exist.
Squaredtech will continue to monitor VEON and Starlink’s progress, providing insights into how this collaboration shapes mobile connectivity in crucial markets. For readers interested in satellite and cellular network integration, VEON’s strategic partnership with Starlink offers a clear example of technology-driven efforts to improve communication access globally.
For more updates: TechNews
