Beeline Kazakhstan Completes Starlink Satellite Field Test Ahead of 2024 Launch

Beeline Kazakhstan, a digital operator owned by Veon, announced the successful completion of its field test for Starlink’s Direct to Cell (D2C) low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite service. This test, conducted in the Akmolinskaya region of Kazakhstan, is a major step towards rolling out the service commercially next year. The innovative technology promises to revolutionize connectivity by ensuring seamless coverage even in remote areas lacking terrestrial network infrastructure.

Breaking New Ground in Satellite-Enabled Mobile Connectivity

During the field test, Beeline Kazakhstan CEO Evgeniy Nastradin and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiyev, successfully demonstrated the service by making a WhatsApp audio call to Veon Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu. The connection utilized a standard smartphone with a Beeline Kazakhstan SIM card, establishing communication through Starlink’s advanced D2C satellite network. Additionally, the team managed to exchange SMS and WhatsApp messages, proving the interoperability of satellite and terrestrial mobile networks. This integrated system allows standard 4G smartphones to connect effortlessly, offering users consistent connectivity regardless of coverage gaps on the ground.

Transforming the Definition of Mobile Network Coverage

The implications of this achievement for Kazakhstan are transformative. “This is not just an extension of coverage; it is a transformation of what coverage means,” expressed Beeline Kazakhstan CEO Evgeniy Nastradin. By blending satellite and terrestrial connectivity, Beeline Kazakhstan will enable customers to stay connected anywhere within the country using their existing smartphones. This step forward underscores a commitment to bridging the digital divide by providing reliable network access to remote and underserved regions.

Commercial Launch and Regional Impact

Beeline Kazakhstan officially signed a commercial agreement to launch Starlink’s D2C services last month, with plans to introduce the SMS-only version of the service in 2024, pending regulatory approvals. Kazakhstan is now set to follow Ukraine’s lead in utilizing this technology, as Veon’s Ukrainian telecom subsidiary Kyivstar recently launched the SMS-only D2C service. Veon Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu highlighted the broader vision, stating, “First in Ukraine and now in Kazakhstan, we are demonstrating how terrestrial networks and satellite platforms can operate as one integrated system, bringing continuity, safety, and opportunity to millions.”

A Future-Ready Solution for Global Connectivity

This milestone reflects the growing importance of linking satellite capabilities with traditional telecom networks. The successful test ensures that Kazakhstan is on track to be among the pioneering countries utilizing this innovative technology. By bridging gaps in mobile connectivity, Beeline Kazakhstan’s collaboration with Starlink aligns with the global push for digital inclusion. With further advancements and regulatory approval, the nation stands to benefit from enhanced communication reliability that fosters economic growth and social connectivity.