VEON Ltd. said Oct. 19 that more than 11 million unique customers had connected to Starlink Mobile at least once across three countries, expanding satellite access beyond ground networks.
The tally covers Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh. Because it counts anyone who connected once, it does not show how many people use the service now. VEON did not provide separate figures for the three markets.
Users need a compatible 4G phone and a clear view of the sky to connect. VEON says the satellite service supports messaging, location sharing and selected apps in places without cellular coverage.
Kyivstar launched the service in Ukraine on Nov. 24, 2025. In results for the quarter ended June 30, the operator said more than six million customers had used it. The service began with text messaging and later added access to selected apps, including Google Maps, Viber and WhatsApp. VEON says it is free for approximately 15.5 million Kyivstar customers with 4G smartphones.
Beeline Kazakhstan launched on Sept. 29, with service free for an initial period, according to VEON. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development said compatible Android phones were supported at launch. Banglalink followed in Bangladesh on Oct. 9, offering activation through its MyBL app, with availability through RYZE planned later.
The companies are using satellites to address gaps in tower coverage. VEON has cited damaged networks and outages in Ukraine, while Banglalink has pointed to natural disasters and prolonged power cuts as reasons for extending service in Bangladesh.
VEON signed a nonexclusive framework agreement with Starlink in November 2025, after Kyivstar reached a separate agreement for Ukraine in December 2024. VEON says the service could reach more than 40 million people across its markets. That is a potential audience, not a reported usage figure.
VEON is scheduled to release its third-quarter financial and operating results Nov. 6 at midnight U.S. Eastern Time. It has not said whether those results will include another Starlink Mobile usage update.
