VEON and Starlink Mobile have announced that more than 11 million unique VEON customers have connected to Starlink's direct-to-device satellite service at least once, enabling mobile communications in locations beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks.
The service allows customers to send messages, share their location and access compatible satellite-ready applications using existing LTE-compatible smartphones.
The milestone highlights the growing role of satellite-to-device technology in extending mobile connectivity beyond terrestrial network coverage.
More than 11 million customers access satellite connectivity
According to VEON and Starlink Mobile, more than 11 million unique VEON customers have successfully connected to the satellite service at least once.
The figure represents customers who have accessed the service rather than the number of people continuously connected or actively using it on a daily basis.
The technology is designed to provide connectivity in locations where conventional cellular signals are unavailable, allowing compatible smartphones to communicate through satellites.
This approach extends the potential reach of mobile services without requiring users to depend exclusively on nearby terrestrial base stations.
The announcement does not disclose the distribution of connected customers across VEON's operating markets, the total number of satellite sessions or the volume of messages transmitted.
Existing LTE smartphones support satellite messaging
A central feature of the service is its compatibility with existing LTE-capable smartphones.
VEON customers can use supported satellite-ready applications, share their location and send messages through applications and SMS when outside conventional cellular coverage.
The ability to use existing devices is significant because it reduces the need for dedicated satellite phones or separate satellite communications hardware.
Direct-to-device technology enables compatible mobile devices to communicate with satellites equipped to support cellular connectivity.
For customers travelling through remote areas or operating in locations with limited terrestrial infrastructure, the service offers an additional communications option.
However, the available announcement does not establish that all LTE smartphones are supported or that every application available over conventional mobile networks can operate through the satellite connection.
It also does not specify supported data rates, device requirements or service pricing.
Satellite connectivity complements terrestrial mobile networks
The collaboration between VEON and Starlink Mobile illustrates how satellite connectivity can supplement conventional mobile infrastructure.
Terrestrial networks remain the primary means of delivering mobile broadband, particularly in populated areas where base stations provide extensive capacity and coverage.
Satellite-to-device services address a different requirement by extending basic connectivity into locations where cellular networks cannot provide a usable signal.
This complementary model can be relevant to remote communities, travellers and users who need to communicate while outside established network coverage.
Location sharing and messaging are particularly useful capabilities because they can support basic communications when conventional mobile services are unavailable.
The announcement does not indicate that the service provides a full replacement for terrestrial mobile broadband or supports unrestricted internet access.
VEON demonstrates satellite-to-device adoption at scale
The reported milestone provides an indication of the number of individual customers who have successfully accessed the satellite service.
With more than 11 million unique customers having connected at least once, the deployment demonstrates the reach of satellite-to-device functionality within VEON's participating customer base.
The achievement is distinct from conventional mobile subscriber growth because it measures access to an additional connectivity layer rather than new mobile subscriptions.
It also differs from continuous service usage, since the reported figure includes customers who may have connected only once.
The announcement does not provide comparative adoption figures, a measurement period or a breakdown of usage by country.
These details would help establish how frequently customers depend on satellite connectivity and where the service is delivering the greatest practical benefit.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
