Kyivstar, Ukraine’s largest mobile operator owned by VEON, recently made history by conducting the first-ever test of SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell technology in Eastern Europe. The successful pilot test took place in the Zhytomyr region and involved Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, exchanging messages directly via Starlink satellites using standard 4G-enabled smartphones, without the need for any special hardware.
Fedorov highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating that Ukraine has become the first country in Eastern Europe to test the Direct to Cell technology. He emphasized that this development is crucial in expanding communication infrastructure to areas where traditional networks are unavailable.
Although the Direct to Cell data service capable of supporting video calls via messaging apps is still in the works, Kyivstar and Starlink are aiming to launch a satellite-powered text messaging service in Ukraine by the fourth quarter of 2025. This service is expected to provide reliable communication in areas without terrestrial coverage, especially during times of conflict or other emergencies.
Kyivstar’s CEO, Komarov, expressed his enthusiasm for this cutting-edge technology, describing it as a breakthrough for both Ukraine and Kyivstar. He emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies to ensure seamless services for Ukrainians today and to shape the future of connectivity in the country.
This achievement comes on the heels of T-Mobile’s recent launch of the Starlink-powered T-Satellite service in the United States and ongoing Direct to Cell trials by Rogers in Canada. Starlink has also expanded its Direct to Cell capabilities to support IoT devices following successful testing in New Zealand.
The collaboration between Kyivstar and Starlink is part of a broader effort to integrate terrestrial and space-based infrastructure, creating a fully resilient next-generation network for everyday and emergency use.
In other news related to SpaceX, the company has announced a significant discount on monthly fees for new Starlink customers in the U.S. SpaceX is offering its Residential plan for $99 per month, down from $120, and the Residential Lite plan for $65, reduced from $80. This move aims to make high-speed satellite internet more accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, SpaceX recently launched 24 more satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, further expanding its satellite network in low Earth orbit. The company also successfully completed the Crew-10 mission, safely returning astronauts from the International Space Station to Earth after nearly five months in space.
These developments underscore SpaceX’s commitment to advancing space technology and expanding access to reliable communication services through innovative solutions like Starlink. A Journey Through the Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse and breathtaking places on Earth. Covering over 2.1 million square miles across South America, it is home to millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. Exploring this vast and mysterious rainforest is an experience like no other, filled with beauty, wonder, and adventure.
As you venture into the Amazon, you are immediately surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. The lush green canopy overhead provides shade from the intense tropical sun, while the air is filled with the calls of exotic birds and the chirping of insects. The dense vegetation creates a sense of enclosure, making you feel as if you are entering a hidden world.
As you trek deeper into the rainforest, you come across a variety of plant life unlike anything you have ever seen. Towering trees with thick trunks and sprawling roots rise up from the forest floor, while colorful flowers and ferns line the path. Vines hang from branches, creating a natural curtain that you must push through as you make your way through the jungle.
The Amazon is also home to a vast array of wildlife, from tiny insects to massive mammals. You may catch a glimpse of a colorful macaw flying overhead, or hear the haunting call of a howler monkey in the distance. If you are lucky, you may even spot a jaguar slinking through the underbrush, or a giant anaconda sunning itself on a riverbank.
One of the most magical experiences in the Amazon is a nighttime boat ride along one of the many winding rivers that snake through the rainforest. As you glide through the water, the dark sky above is illuminated by millions of stars, while the sounds of the jungle come alive in the darkness. The eerie calls of nocturnal animals echo through the trees, creating a sense of mystery and wonder.
At the end of your journey through the Amazon, you are left with a deep sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and diversity of this incredible ecosystem. The sights, sounds, and experiences of the rainforest will stay with you long after you have left, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the natural world and a desire to return to this magical place again and again.