Cell towers not required when messaging on Musk's finest Ukraine mobile operator Kyivstar will roll out direct-to-cell satellite connectivity via Starlink.… According to Kyivstar, it expects to get messages working by the end of 2025 and will expand with voice and data later.

This uses satellites that act as regular cell towers - you don't need a phone with special hardware like you do with current satellite messaging options.

T-Mobile and SpaceX have a partnership to provide limited cellular service from space, and the FCC recently approved this direct-to-cell (DTC) service for commercial use. T-Mobile is launching a beta

Customers of Ukraine’s largest mobile operator will be able to use space-based connectivity when terrestrial network service is unavailable.

Starlink is expanding its services in Ukraine by launching direct-to-cell coverage. This feature will allow users to connect to mobile networks via Starlink's satellite constellation, bypassing traditional ground infrastructure.

Elon Musk's Starlink will roll out direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in Ukraine through a new agreement with the country's leading mobile operator Kyivstar.