09:47 AM EDT, 10/31/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Kyivstar Group's ( KYIV ) digital operator JSC Kyivstar said Friday it is preparing to conduct the second phase of testing of SpaceX's Starlink direct to cell technology for mobile connectivity across Ukraine.

The second phase will cover all regions of Ukraine except border areas, active combat zones and temporarily occupied territories, according to a statement.

The telecom operator said the technology will help maintain connectivity during prolonged blackouts and support emergency services in remote and frontline regions.

Initial service will be limited to SMS on standard 4G-capable smartphones, while future stages will include voice and mobile internet, Kyivstar ( KYIV ) said.

Shares of Kyivstar Group ( KYIV ) were up 1.3% in early trading Friday.

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