Mobile Communications in Ukraine: Why Tariffs Are More Beneficial Than in Neighboring Countries

Ukrainians have seen how the tariffs of mobile operators in our country differ from those abroad. This is reported by 'Hvylya'.

In Ukraine, the cost of basic mobile tariffs is approximately at the level of neighboring countries, however, significant differences are evident in the service offerings. Operators offer more generous internet and call packages at a lower price than in several European countries. However, when considering the level of average salaries, communication remains one of the most expensive in the region for Ukrainians.

The mobile communications market in Ukraine is considered one of the most competitive and customer-oriented in Europe.

The three largest mobile operators in Ukraine offer basic tariffs in the range of 300-350 UAH for 28 days:

• 'Kyivstar' offers the 'ALL TOGETHER Easy' tariff for 350 UAH/4 weeks, which includes 20 GB of mobile internet, unlimited calls within the network, and 150 minutes for calls to other mobile and landline numbers abroad in 16 countries.
• Vodafone with the 'Flexx GO' tariff at 320 UAH/4 weeks provides 25 GB of mobile internet, unlimited calls within the network, and 500 minutes for calls to other mobile and landline numbers abroad in 28 European countries.
• lifecell offers the 'Maxi' tariff for 300 UAH/4 weeks, which includes 40 GB of mobile internet (38 GB basic + 2 GB for timely payment), unlimited calls within the network, and 1,500 minutes for calls to other numbers in Ukraine (750 basic minutes + 750 minutes for timely payment).

Comparison with Neighboring Countries

The analysis showed that in terms of service volume, Ukraine leads: Ukrainian operators provide some of the largest mobile internet packages and a significant number of minutes at a reasonable price.

In neighboring countries, the situation is as follows:

• Poland: The most popular operator is Orange (according to the Central Statistical Office). The basic tariff costs approximately 372 UAH per month and includes unlimited calls within the network, 450 minutes to other numbers in the country, and 15 GB of mobile internet.
• Moldova: The most popular operator is Orange Moldova (according to Budde Comm). The basic tariff Max 150 costs 150 lei per month (about 372 UAH) and includes unlimited calls within the network, 450 minutes to other numbers in Moldova, and 15 GB of internet.
• Hungary: The market leader is Magyar Telekom (according to Scope Ratings). The basic tariff Net S + Mobile S costs 4,990 forints per month (620 UAH) and offers only 50 minutes of calls within Hungary and EU countries, as well as 5 GB of mobile internet.
• Romania: The most popular operator is Orange (according to Ancom). The Fun tariff costs 6.1 euros per month (296 UAH) and includes unlimited calls and SMS within the country, 100 minutes for international calls, and 5-10 GB of internet.
• Slovakia: The most popular operator is Orange Slovakia (according to Budde Comm). The basic tariff Základný costs 19.47 euros per month (almost 945 UAH) and includes 200 minutes for calls within Slovakia and the EU, unlimited SMS and MMS, and 5 GB of internet.

At the same time, in some neighboring countries (for example, Slovakia or Hungary), mobile communication prices are significantly higher in absolute terms, but the volume of services provided is often less than in Ukraine.

If we convert the tariff cost to the average salary, Ukrainians can afford fewer packages at the base price than residents of neighboring countries - despite the competitive service offerings.

Why Tariffs in Ukraine Seem 'Expensive'

The main factor is the war, analysts note: due to it, the costs for services had to include expenses for stable power supply (generators, batteries, solar panels), for restoring and protecting infrastructure, and for logistics with increased costs. Additionally, in the context of the war, supply chains for equipment became complicated, and fuel and transport prices rose. All this is reflected in the operators' tariffs.

At the same time, the market remains competitive: operators are not forced to sign long-term contracts with subscribers, as is often the case in Europe - subscribers have more freedom to switch and fewer obligations.

Will Tariffs Increase?

Experts warn that a rise in tariffs is likely: the cost of services is increasing, operators are offering new services and opportunities, and the business goal remains to make a profit. However, jumps are not expected: increases will be gradual and not sudden.

Among additional factors is the preparation for Ukraine's entry into the 'roaming as at home' zone with the EU starting January 1, 2026. This will lead to tariff adaptation, but a sharp rise due to this event is not forecasted.

How Operators' Tariffs Are Formed

The tariff plan includes the cost of services (minutes, messages, internet), taxes, and margin. If the operator adds new services or expands the volume, this is reflected in the price. In fact, the tariff is formed by a simple formula: services + costs + margin.

High competition.