VEON (NASDAQ:VEON) subsidiary Beeline Kazakhstan successfully completed the first-ever voice call, SMS, and WhatsApp message transmissions via Starlink’s Direct to Cell service in Central Asia, marking a significant step toward ubiquitous satellite-to-smartphone connectivity in the region.
The groundbreaking field test, conducted on Monday in Kazakhstan’s Akmolinskaya region, utilized standard 4G smartphones equipped with Beeline SIM cards, demonstrating the practical interoperability between Starlink’s satellite constellation and Beeline’s existing terrestrial mobile network.
The test confirmed the ability of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity to extend vital communication coverage into remote and sparsely populated areas where traditional infrastructure is currently absent.
The successful integration positions Beeline Kazakhstan to rapidly expand its reach across the vast, challenging terrain of the world’s ninth-largest country by land area.
Following the trial, Beeline has stated its intention to introduce Starlink Direct to Cell SMS services commercially in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals from the local government.
This initiative is part of a broader push by VEON to integrate space-based and ground-based networks across its operational markets, a move analysts believe could significantly address global coverage gaps and enhance network resilience.