Kyivstar, Mastercard plan to test Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology in payment infrastructure

Ukraine's largest mobile operator Kyivstar, together with global technology company Mastercard, plans to test Starlink Direct to Cell satellite technology in payment infrastructure under a one-year cooperation memorandum with the option for further extension.

According to a Kyivstar press release issued Wednesday, this technology will make it possible to perform financial transactions in areas without mobile coverage or during emergencies.

In addition, Kyivstar and Mastercard will work on developing new financial products and services. Among the planned areas of cooperation are financial scoring solutions and the creation of personalized offers for clients. The companies also plan to launch initiatives promoting cashless payments, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.

As part of the partnership, the companies will sign separate agreements for specific projects. Overall, the cooperation is aimed at developing innovative technological solutions to strengthen the resilience of the country's financial infrastructure, encourage cashless transactions, and improve access to financial services.

Between October and November 2025, Kyivstar is conducting beta testing of the Starlink Direct to Cell technology, which allows users to send and receive SMS messages via satellite communication when mobile connectivity is unavailable.

The company serves almost 23 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million Home Internet subscribers. The digital services portfolio includes the Helsi medical platform, the Kyivstar TV film and television platform, and the leading ride-hailing and delivery company, Uklon. Kyivstar is also a solutions provider for corporate clients, providing cloud technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence services. Through its Kyivstar.Tech division, the company develops software development in Ukraine and is a partner for international technology companies such as Starlink.

Kyivstar increased its EBITDA by 39.5% in the first half of 2025, to UAH 12.85 billion, while its revenue grew by 36.1%, to UAH 22.58 billion.

The principal shareholder of Kyivstar Group is the telecom holding VEON, which now holds an 89.6% stake; prior to Kyivstar's listing on the stock exchange in August 2025 VEON was the company's 100% owner.