Starlink Teams Up with Veon to Revolutionize Satellite Phone Access

In a groundbreaking move, Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite division of SpaceX, has partnered with global telecommunications leader Veon. This alliance is poised to reach an extensive user base exceeding 150 million, elevating the ambition to link smartphones directly to satellite networks.

The direct-to-cell technology enables standard mobile devices to connect with satellite systems overhead, providing vital coverage in regions where conventional mobile towers fail. This collaboration is part of a larger effort to bridge the connectivity divide in underserved global locations.

As part of the agreement, Veon will integrate Starlink's services into its existing infrastructure, initiating rollout with Beeline in Kazakhstan and Kyivstar in Ukraine, which plans to unveil the service in Q4 2025, followed by Beeline in 2026. Veon operates in additional markets such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, potentially expanding Starlink's reach to millions more users.

“This is the largest partnership regarding potential customer access globally,” states Ilya Polshakov, Kyivstar’s business director responsible for Veon’s satellite initiatives. He also indicated that further satellite connectivity partnerships could be on the horizon.

While this collaboration does not preclude exclusivity, Veon is keen to explore opportunities with other satellite operators like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, AST SpaceMobile, and Eutelsat OneWeb, with plans for collaboration going into 2027 and beyond.

The competitive landscape in this domain is intensifying, with AST SpaceMobile already having agreements with Verizon and Saudi carrier STC, while Amazon’s Project Kuiper gears up for its initial commercial launches in 2026.

Currently, Starlink serves over 7 million users around the globe and has established partnerships in 11 countries, such as T-Mobile in the U.S. and Rogers in Canada. Its extensive constellation comprises more than 8,000 satellites, with around 650 dedicated to facilitating direct-to-cell services, solidifying its foothold in the burgeoning satellite-to-smartphone sector.