The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine has reported on its achievements in the communications sector in 2024, including preparations for the introduction of 5G, the rapid development of xPON, and the installation of thousands of base stations.
Legislative initiatives
For the first time since independence, the Strategy for the Development of Electronic Communications until 2030 was presented. It focuses on two main areas: access to sustainable communications and development of the electronic communications sector as the foundation of the economy.
During the year, 4 key laws and 16 bylaws were adopted, 8 of which are related to European integration. These include the launch of Roaming at Home and the extension of preferential roaming conditions for Ukrainians in the EU. This year, the communications sector in Ukraine has been growing and developing despite the military challenges.
Key results of the telecom industry for the year
Mobile operators covered 809 settlements with Internet access and built 3,400 new base stations. The mobile Internet speed increased by 35% compared to 2023 – up to 31.23 Mbps. More than 500 thousand batteries and generators were installed to ensure stable operation of the networks during power outages.
4G and 5G
The National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services (NCCS) held an auction of radio frequencies (2100, 2300, 2600 MHz). The operators received licenses to use the frequencies and paid UAH 2.9 billion for their use. The funds were immediately transferred to the state budget.
The government has also started implementing 5G: the plan to prepare for the 5G pilot is approved, with the launch scheduled for Lviv in the summer of 2025.
“We have taken important steps to launch 5G – the technology will be tested in three pilot cities in the near future,” says Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Direct to Cell
Kyivstar, VEON and Starlink have signed an agreement to launch a revolutionary satellite communication technology called Direct to Cell. The technology will allow Ukrainians to be connected even in the most remote parts of the country.
Ukraine will be one of the first countries to make this service available: Kyivstar plans to launch SMS and OTT messaging in the fall of 2025. The next stage will be voice and data transmission.
Development of xPON
The development of xPON technology, which allows you to stay connected for up to 72 hours in the event of power outages, was an important area of focus for the Ministry of Digital Transformation in 2024. According to the Digital Quality of Life Index, Ukraine is the world’s first in terms of fixed Internet stability.
The number of users grew to 8.4 million, 4.2 million of whom switched to the modern xPON fiber optic network. Over the year, about 50,000 kilometers of optics were built, including in the frontline areas, and the speed of the fixed Internet increased from 67.7 Mbps in 2023 to 83.8 Mbps in November 2024.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and LUN have also created a map of providers operating without electricity, which was used by 120 thousand unique users over the year.
Communication in times of war
“All these results were achieved thanks to business and industry professionals: in 2024, 400 enterprises were recognized as critical, 14,000+ employees were booked, and 42 critical enterprises created emergency teams,” the Ministry of Digital Transformation notes.
Amid the challenges of a full-scale war, the industry is doing everything possible to provide Ukrainians with stable communication and access to the Internet. All these achievements are due to the coordinated efforts of the telecom industry, business and the government.
“High-quality communication is one of the priorities during the war, so we have to achieve the most effective results. We are grateful to the telecom market and the team. Despite all the challenges, we continue to restore communications and the Internet and develop the sector together,” adds Fedorov.
