In Ukraine, plans are already underway to launch 5G in two cities as early as January. This concerns pilot projects that will operate in the central parts of populated areas and will be the first step towards scaling the new technology. This is reported by RBK-Ukraine referring to a statement by Mykhailo Fedorov.
The Minister of Digital Transformation announced that the launch will take place within a few weeks. According to him, this does not involve complete coverage of the cities but rather separate zones where the technology can be safely tested and practiced. The pilot is planned to be gradually expanded in the future.
The launch of 5G in Ukraine: what will be the starting point
Fedorov emphasized that the full-scale deployment of 5G during the full-scale war is a complex process. The reason is the necessity of coordinating frequencies with military needs, the operation of radars, aviation, and electronic warfare means. This is why the project has been tested for a long time in collaboration with the military before the launch.
Testing 5G and future plans
Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Transformation informed that the mass launch of 5G is postponed until the end of martial law. However, testing of the technology is already planned or being conducted in the following cities:
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Lviv;
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Kharkiv;
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Borodyanka.
According to estimates from the ministry, about 22% of smartphones in Ukraine already support 5G. With stable implementation of the projects, a significant part of the country's territory could be covered by fifth-generation communication by 2030.
It's worth noting that Russia has destroyed more than 4000 base stations of mobile communication in Ukraine.