Ukraine’s telecommunications infrastructure has faced unprecedented challenges since 2022. As Russia’s invasion continues to target critical infrastructure, satellite connectivity has emerged as an indispensable lifeline, ensuring that both military and civilian communications remain operational in the face of devastation.
In this rapidly evolving environment, satellite technology has filled gaps in traditional telecom systems and accelerated Ukraine’s digital transformation.
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Current Satellite Landscape
Ukraine’s telecommunications connectivity is supported by multiple satellite providers apart from SpaceX’s Starlink, which delivers high-speed internet nationwide, especially in conflict-affected areas.
OneWeb, in partnership with Kyivstar, plans to expand broadband satellite services in the country, while DATAGROUP leverages KA-SAT technology for two-way satellite internet access. NTvsat offers VSAT services through its German teleport, ensuring connectivity in remote locations, and GlobalTT provides GEO/LEO VSAT solutions for uninterrupted communication.
Additionally, Satcube, a Swedish company, has supplied Ukraine with portable satellite internet terminals to enhance connectivity in challenging environments. These satellite networks play a vital role in maintaining Ukraine’s digital infrastructure and ensuring resilient communications.
A Lifeline in Crisis: The Role of Satellite Connectivity
From the war’s outset, when fiber optics, cell towers, and power grids were destroyed, satellite connectivity kept communication lines open. Among the most critical technologies facilitating this transition was SpaceX’s Starlink, which quickly became a vital resource for Ukraine’s telecom infrastructure. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites provided essential connectivity when ground-based systems became unreliable, enabling military coordination and civilian access to the internet. Despite repeated missile strikes on infrastructure, Starlink’s satellite service ensured that communication lines remained intact, allowing Ukraine to stay connected to the world.
In December, 2024, VEON, the parent company of Kyivstar, announced a partnership with Starlink to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine. This collaboration aims to enhance the resilience of Ukraine’s communication infrastructure, especially in remote areas and during emergencies. The service is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, initially offering SMS and OTT messaging, with plans to expand to voice and data services in subsequent phases.
Direct-to-cell technology enables standard 4G smartphones to connect directly to satellites equipped with advanced eNodeB modems, which function as cell towers in space. This integration allows for seamless connectivity without the need for additional hardware, firmware changes, or special applications. Users can access text, voice, and data services wherever there is a clear sky view, ensuring uninterrupted communication even when traditional networks are compromised.
Additionally, Kyivstar has been investing significantly in expanding its 4G network, increasing coverage in remote areas, and enhancing the energy resilience of its infrastructure. Oleksandr Komarov, Kyivstar CEO, emphasized that the partnership with Starlink is a major milestone in the company’s goal of providing LTE coverage.
“Our collaboration with Starlink is a game-changer in our journey towards achieving our ‘LTE everywhere’ ambition.”
Related: VEON, Starlink Partner to Bring Direct-to-Cell Connectivity to Ukraine
Rescue via Satellite: Keeping Ukraine Connected
Satellite connectivity has been instrumental in sustaining Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure during the ongoing conflict, particularly in rural areas where traditional telecom networks have been severely disrupted. The widespread deployment of satellite terminals has ensured that these regions’ schools, businesses, and medical facilities remain connected, allowing vital services to continue despite the challenging circumstances.
Humanitarian organizations have also relied heavily on satellite technology to coordinate relief efforts, transport supplies, and provide medical assistance. In areas where conventional communication channels have become unreliable or unavailable due to missile strikes, satellite communications have been essential in maintaining the flow of aid. For example, organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) donated three starlings to Kharkiv and Kherson to provide satellite internet access coverage to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) branches in areas close to the frontline from January to June in 2024.
Furthermore, satellite communication has enabled non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to contact local governments and other stakeholders, ensuring that humanitarian needs are addressed promptly. For civilians in conflict zones, receiving timely information about safe locations or evacuation routes has been a matter of life or death, and satellite services have played a key role in ensuring that people stay informed.
According to DataReportal, as of January, 2024, Ukraine had approximately 29.64 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 79.2%. In the same period, there were 24.3 million social media users in Ukraine, making up 64.9% of the total population. Additionally, Ukraine had 55.64 million active cellular mobile connections, which is 148.7% of the country’s total population, underscoring the critical role of satellite connectivity in maintaining communication and supporting the country’s digital infrastructure during the conflict.
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Remote Working: Sustaining Ukraine’s Economy
One of the remarkable aspects of Ukraine’s resilience has been evident in its ability to rapidly transition to remote work, thanks in part to satellite connectivity. Many sectors, particularly finance, government, education, and healthcare, relied on satellite services to maintain operations in the wake of physical infrastructure destruction.
By January, 2024, the Ukrainian labor market had recovered by 93% compared to pre-war levels, with a notable 3% increase in remote work offers compared to January, 2022.
In the banking and finance sector, satellite internet played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of online banking services and electronic payments, even as physical branches and ATMs were damaged or closed. This allowed citizens to continue accessing their funds and performing financial transactions securely through digital platforms.
Similarly, educational institutions across Ukraine leveraged satellite connectivity to deliver lessons to students, both at the primary and university levels. In 2024, Ukraine continued to adapt its educational infrastructure in response to ongoing challenges. As of January 1, approximately one million students were engaged in remote or blended learning due to inadequate shelter facilities in schools. Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Andriy Stashkiv, announced that out of 13,000 schools, 2,500 continued exclusively online.
Despite the rapid adoption of remote work, Ukraine faced significant challenges, including cyberattacks targeting satellite communications. For instance, a cyberattack on Viasat’s satellite network impacted several thousand customers in Ukraine and tens of thousands across Europe. The Ukrainian tech industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with nearly 100% of the sector operating remotely, encompassing approximately 300,000 contractors.
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A New Era of Resilient Communication
As the country rebuilds its traditional telecom networks, satellite services will provide the necessary redundancy and resilience, ensuring that critical communication systems remain operational in times of crisis. Beyond emergency connectivity, integrating satellite technology into Ukraine’s digital economy will enable emerging technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) to thrive, providing secure and high-speed connections across the country.
Ukraine has been actively enhancing its satellite capabilities through various initiatives. The Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation acquired a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite from Finnish company, ICEYE, dubbed the “People’s Satellite.” This crowd-funded satellite enables Ukrainian military intelligence to monitor Russian troop movements, logistics, and equipment, providing real-time data critical for strategic operations. Rheinmetall and ICEYE have also collaborated to provide Ukraine with satellite imagery to support military reconnaissance efforts.
Ukraine is accelerating its satellite development efforts to enhance its telecommunications and national security infrastructure through 2025. The State Space Agency of Ukraine (SSAU) plans to launch a constellation of seven remote Earth sensing satellites, though the full-scale war delayed some initiatives. In response, Ukraine leased the Finnish ICEYE SAR satellite for high-resolution monitoring. Meanwhile, private sector involvement is expanding, with EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), part of the Noosphere group, deploying EOS SAT-1 for precision agriculture. Additionally, SETS (Space Electric Thruster Systems) is advancing satellite propulsion with its SPS-25 electric motor, improving satellite maneuverability. These initiatives signal a growing domestic space sector poised to support telecommunications, defense, and commercial applications.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Satellite connectivity has proven to be a key pillar of Ukraine’s telecom resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. From military operations to maintaining civilian communications, satellite technology has ensured that Ukraine remains connected during times of crisis. As the war continues, Ukraine’s strategic use of satellite connectivity sets the stage for a more resilient, decentralized communication system that will serve as a global strategy for building future-proof digital societies.