The Ukraine 5G pilot recently expanded into Kyiv, marking a progression in service testing by the major Ukrainian mobile operators: Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and Lifecell. Following the introduction in the capital, Odesa is scheduled as the next location for the 5G pilot rollout.
According to Stanislav Prybytko, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, the initial service area focuses on central Kyiv. Coverage specifics vary among the Ukrainian mobile operators, though all three providers currently encompass the main Khreschatyk street area. This advancement relies heavily on modernizing existing telecom networks to support the heightened requirements of the new standard.
Specific Coverage Zones in Kyiv
Vodafone Ukraine confirmed that its service reaches all administrative districts within the capital. This includes Holosiivsky, Darnytsky, Desniansky, Dniprovsky, Obolonsky, Pechersky, Podilsky, Sviatoshynsky, Solomiansky, and Shevchenkivsky.
Kyivstar has directed its 5G technology deployment toward prominent tourist locations. Users can access the network near Sofia Square, St. Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate, the National Opera of Ukraine, Volodymyr Cathedral, Independence Square, Volodymyrska Hill, and Landscape Alley.
Similarly, Lifecell is targeting high-traffic tourist and transit areas. Its coverage includes Bessarabska Square, Khreshchatyk, Independence Square, Poshtova, Kontraktova Square, Sevastopolska Square, several shopping centers, as well as the Central Bus Station, the Central and Southern railway stations, and the Pecherska and Arsenalna metro stations.
Infrastructure and Device Adoption
The infrastructure supporting the Ukraine 5G pilot in Kyiv utilizes over 300 base stations, with further expansions planned. All three providers are operating their telecom networks on the 3,500 MHz and 700 MHz frequency bands.
Currently, 29% of mobile devices across the country support 5G technology, with a higher concentration found in major metropolitan areas. Kyivstar reported that nearly 40% of smartphones on its network in Kyiv are compatible. Lifecell indicated that approximately 43% of its subscriber base in the capital and 34% nationwide possess compatible devices.
Network Testing and Performance Metrics
Kyiv is the fourth city to participate in the Ukraine 5G pilot rollout, succeeding earlier tests in Lviv, Borodianka, and Kharkiv. These tests have yielded substantial usage data and impressive mobile data speeds across the participating user bases.
Vodafone Ukraine stated that more than 400,000 subscribers participated in the previous testing phases. These users consumed over 391 TB of data, achieving peak mobile data speeds of up to 1.9 Gbps.
Kyivstar reported participation from over 724,000 subscribers who downloaded more than 755 TB of data. The operator recorded peak mobile data speeds reaching between 1.5 and 1.7 Gbps, while maintaining average speeds of 600 to 700 Mbps.
Lifecell observed a 75% increase in traffic consumption and a 35% rise in simultaneous sessions since launching its initial tests. The provider reported an average daily traffic consumption of 3.2 TB, alongside peak data rates of 1.5 Gbps.
Future Timeline and Current Operational Challenges
Deputy Minister Prybytko confirmed that Odesa is the next municipality slated for the 5G pilot rollout, though a specific timeframe has not been announced. He also affirmed the government’s stance that a comprehensive nationwide deployment of 5G technology will remain on hold until martial law is lifted.
The operators continue to navigate specific logistical hurdles. These include managing spectrum usage to prevent any interference with military communications and securing a stable energy supply, given that the upgraded infrastructure demands more power than older generation systems.