Mobile Payment Service to Be Discontinued
Ukraine's mobile operator Kyivstar will end support for its Mobile Payment service on July 1, 2023. As digital adoption grows and user habits evolve, the USSD shortcode *134# and the voice menu reached via 899 will both cease to function at the start of next month. According to the company's internal analytics, by 2026 this payment method had already become obsolete.
Alternative Ways to Transfer Money
Kyivstar has outlined several alternatives for transferring funds. These include:
- the official My Kyivstar mobile app, which charges no fees;
- online banking platforms, including mobile apps such as Privat24, monobank, and Oschad24/7;
- digital wallets and payment terminals that rely on certified payment systems;
- online services and self-service kiosks.
Kyivstar also disclosed the pricing of its current tariff plans. The Light package costs between 290 and 370 hryvnias per month, while the Cool Contract package is priced at 350–450 hryvnias per month. A social tariff of 220 hryvnias per month is available for Ukrainians aged 60 and older, as well as for people with disabilities.
In addition, Kyivstar has announced a phased shutdown of 3G technology in several regions of Ukraine, with a full transition to 4G/LTE standards. This shift underscores the company's ongoing transformation to meet modern market demands.
The discontinuation of the Mobile Payment service reflects broader trends in the mobile industry, as more users migrate to digital platforms for financial transactions.
Proposed alternatives, such as the My Kyivstar app and internet banking, allow customers to make transfers free of charge, aligning with current expectations of convenience and speed. Moreover, the move to 4G/LTE technology represents a key step toward improving communication quality and service accessibility for subscribers.
As Kyivstar shifts its focus to 4G technology, the discontinuation of the Mobile Payment service is part of a broader strategy to enhance user experience. This transition is reminiscent of the company's recent decision to phase out 3G in several regions, which aims to streamline operations and meet the growing demand for faster internet connectivity. For more details on this significant change, read about the shutdown of 3G services.