Ukraine’s Telecom Revolution Amid War: 5G Launches, Rebuilt Networks & Cyber Battles (2024–2025)
In late 2024 Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced a two-year 5G pilot in three cities—Lviv first, with Kyiv and Odesa testing through 2025—as a step toward a full 5G rollout by 2030. In November 2024 Ukraine auctioned spectrum in the 2100, 2300, and 2600 MHz bands, raising ₴2.8 billion (~$67.7 million) and awarding five lots to Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell with licenses requiring 1,500 new base stations in two years and 500 in the first year, plus six months to restore service in liberated areas. The three major operators scrapped domestic roaming charges, enabling free roaming on each