BICS, a Proximus Global company, has entered a strategic partnership with Starlink that appoints BICS as Starlink’s preferred IPX provider in Europe for the satellite firm’s direct-to-cell service, enabling interconnection with mobile network operators now and supporting a next-gen constellation aimed at smartphone broadband.
The IPX arrangement functions like a roaming exchange, bridging Starlink and European carriers so standard smartphones can connect directly to satellites in areas without terrestrial coverage.
As part of the rollout, Kyivstar said it has launched Starlink Direct to Cell in Ukraine, initially for SMS, with voice and data planned in 2026, making Ukraine the first European market to go live.
Starlink added that the partnership prepares its next-generation network to use harmonized spectrum for satellite-to-mobile service across Europe.
