KYIV, Dec 30 – The largest mobile operator in Ukraine, Kyivstar, signed an agreement with the SpaceX division Starlink to introduce groundbreaking direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine, which provides communication for smartphones in the absence of conventional operator coverage – using a satellite signal.

"We signed an agreement with Starlink and are starting to implement groundbreaking direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine... the service is capable of providing mobile communication on any 4G smartphone using a satellite signal where there is no conventional operator coverage, or if the terrestrial network does not work due to military and man-made factors," the company's CEO Oleksandr Komarov wrote on Facebook on Monday.