Starlink and Proximus Global Expand IPX Deal

BICS, a Proximus Global company, becomes the preferred IPX provider in Europe for Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite connectivity services under a new strategic partnership. The agreement gives Starlink access to the Proximus Global IPX network to interconnect with mobile network operators (MNOs) and to support future broadband services to smartphones over its next-generation constellation.

Proximus Global brings together Telesign, BICS and Route Mobile under a single portfolio for communications and digital identity services.

The group’s portfolio spans a carrier network for voice, messaging and data, 5G and IoT services, verification and intelligence products and CPaaS tools for omnichannel engagement across enterprise and operator customers.

Proximus Global IPX supports Starlink direct-to-cell

Proximus Global’s IPX network operates similarly to a roaming exchange, providing a bridge between Starlink and participating MNOs.

The platform enables standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage by presenting Starlink as another roaming partner on the IPX fabric.

Over time, the same IPX footprint intends to support non-terrestrial network coverage models and optimise smartphone performance on satellite-connected services.

For Proximus Global and BICS, the agreement extends more than 20 years of IPX and roaming experience into non-terrestrial connectivity for European and international operators.

Starlink targets harmonised spectrum and mobile dead zones

Mike Nicolls, VP of Engineering at Starlink, sets out Starlink’s technical and commercial objectives for the agreement.

Mike says: “We’re excited to work with Proximus Global to ensure Starlink’s next-generation constellation can leverage harmonised spectrum to provide the most powerful satellite-to-mobile service across Europe to further our mission of ending mobile dead zones and providing connectivity when people need it most.”

Mike links the partnership to security and operator interconnect requirements in Europe.

He says: “This partnership is a critical step in preparation to not only advance seamless connectivity but also interconnect European operators with enhanced data security.”

Kyivstar and Starlink support network resilience

Kyivstar will be the first European operator to use the Starlink and Proximus Global arrangement.

The Ukrainian operator serves nearly 22.5 million subscribers as of 30 September 2025, enabling Starlink and Proximus Global to demonstrate direct-to-cell connectivity at a national scale in a market under ongoing pressure on telecoms infrastructure.

Proximus Global and Starlink position the work with Kyivstar as an example of how satellite connectivity can maintain communication when ground infrastructure is damaged.

The partners cite use cases in which base stations and fibre lines are destroyed and satellite links can keep mobile services available for emergency response, public communication and enterprise continuity when terrestrial assets are offline.

Proximus Global IPX’s role in satellite-to-mobile services

Ben Vandermeulen, Chief Revenue Officer at Proximus Global, outlines how the IPX platform fits into the satellite-to-mobile value chain for both Starlink and European operators. 

Ben says: “While satellites are a game-changer for global connectivity, it’s not inherently disruptive to existing players in the industry - there’s room for everyone. With partnerships like this, our IPX acts as a bridge to unlock new opportunities.

"Satellite providers gain access to broader consumer bases, mobile operators can seamlessly fill coverage gaps and end users benefit from more reliable, consistent connectivity. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

For Proximus Global, the Starlink agreement is part of a broader push to connect satellite providers with terrestrial MNOs over its roaming and interconnect infrastructure.

The group positions its IPX and roaming services as a neutral layer through which satellite operators can reach multiple networks and through which MNOs can integrate non-terrestrial access without building bespoke bilateral connections.

Proximus Global satellite connectivity strategy

Within Proximus Global, BICS brings an established IPX scale for the Starlink partnership.

BICS has operated IPX connectivity for more than two decades, handling international roaming, signalling and data traffic for mobile operators and service providers and this footprint is now available to satellite partners seeking direct-to-cell services.

Proximus Global frames satellite connectivity as one element in the broader move towards coverage models that combine terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

The group links it with its stated goal to “connect, protect and engage everyone, everywhere” across its network and digital identity services, reaching over 5 billion subscribers, securing more than 180 billion transactions each year and connecting more than 1,000 destinations worldwide.