5G Testing in Kyiv
Ukraine's telecom operator Kyivstar has initiated 5G network testing in the capital, marking the company's most extensive pilot deployment to date. As part of the trial, subscribers can win one of five Samsung smartphones. To enter the contest, users must locate 5G coverage areas within the My Kyivstar app, verify the connection, and tap the 'Participate' button. Five participants who test the technology specifically in Kyiv will receive the prizes.
The network operates in the capital using the 5G NSA standard on the n78 frequency band. Swedish company Ericsson supplies the equipment. During tests, Kyivstar recorded average data transfer speeds of 600–800 Mbps, with peak speeds exceeding 1.7 Gbps.
Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Stanislav Prybytko noted that 'the pilot allows us to verify network performance under various loads, test equipment, and gather data for future scaling.'
Prior to Kyiv, pilot zones were already active in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Borodianka in the Kyiv region. According to plans, high-speed connectivity is also slated for deployment in Odesa by the end of 2026. The nationwide launch of 5G will depend on regulatory decisions, network technical readiness, and the security situation.
Significance of 5G Testing
The 5G testing in Kyiv represents a key milestone in Ukraine's telecommunications development, potentially enhancing communication quality and enabling new technologies. Successfully completing this pilot project will pave the way for expanding the 5G network to other cities, which could positively impact the country's economy and digital transformation.
Regulatory decisions and security considerations remain crucial components of this process, as they must be addressed to ensure the stable operation of new technologies.
While the recent pilot in Kyiv marks a significant step in 5G development, it's essential to clarify the timeline of 5G deployment in the city. Previous announcements about a potential launch on July 21 have been officially denied by the Digital Ministry. For more details on this clarification and its implications for the future of 5G in Ukraine, read our coverage regarding the July launch denial.