“Kyivstar” does not plan a mass rollout of 5G across Ukraine until active hostilities end. This was stated by the company’s CEO, Oleksandr Komarov, in an exclusive interview. The key obstacle to expanding coverage of the latest mobile technologies is the need for detailed electromagnetic compatibility checks of new communication frequencies with existing military systems.

## Technological Challenges on the Road to 5G

The process of fully launching a fifth-generation network in Ukraine is significantly complicated by the specific security requirements associated with martial law. As Oleksandr Komarov explained, every new frequency used for 5G must undergo thorough verification for its potential impact on military equipment. During martial law, carrying out such large-scale and comprehensive testing across the entire country is practically impossible.

To illustrate the scale of these tasks, Komarov cited the example of the 5G pilot project in Lviv. Electromagnetic compatibility testing in a limited area of the city took about three months. This demonstrates the complexity and duration of the procedures that must be completed before coverage can be expanded.

In addition to security concerns, the operator continues to focus its resources on expanding 4G (LTE) coverage. Priority is given to communities outside major cities, where the need for stable and fast mobile internet is especially urgent. Kyivstar’s CEO emphasized that a developed 4G infrastructure is the foundation for introducing next-generation connectivity. According to statistics, in about 95% of cases, 5G networks are deployed by upgrading and expanding existing LTE sites. At present, Kyivstar’s 4G mobile network provides coverage for about 97% of Ukraine’s population, which is a significant achievement in terms of mobile connectivity availability.

### Historical Context and the Prospects for 5G in Ukraine

Plans for developing a 5G network in Ukraine were approved by the government back in November 2020. However, the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation made major adjustments to these plans, delaying the technology’s rollout. Despite the difficult conditions, work on the project resumed in pilot format in 2025. A full commercial launch of 5G is possible only after martial law ends, underscoring the priority of security over technological progress in today’s reality.

The first pilot tests of the 5G network in Kyiv began in July 2026. This process continued over the past six months, covering various locations across the capital. Before Kyiv, 5G technology had already been successfully tested in cities such as Lviv, Borodianka, and Kharkiv. According to former Acting Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Oleksandr Bornyakov, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians had already been able to benefit from the pilot network. More than 300 base stations are operating across the country and taking part in the tests. During these experiments, mobile internet speeds significantly exceeded 1 Gbit/s, demonstrating the technology’s potential.

At present, around 29% of smartphones used in Ukraine already support the 5G standard. This indicates the market’s growing readiness to adopt new technologies. The next city planned for a 5G pilot project is Odesa. These steps, despite the challenges of war, demonstrate consistency in implementing the country’s digital transformation strategy.

It is important to note that 5G development is part of a broader state policy aimed at digitalization. As noted by the head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Oksana Ferchuk, by the end of 2026 the priority areas are the rollout of 5G, the expansion of services in the Diia app, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the digitalization of the army. These initiatives are aimed at modernizing the state and improving its defense capability and efficiency across all sectors.

The global trend toward 5G deployment began several years ago. The technology promises not only higher mobile internet speeds, but also new opportunities for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous transport, telemedicine, smart cities, and many other innovative solutions. In Ukraine, despite the natural challenges associated with war, operators and the state continue working to create the necessary conditions for the future deployment of this technology. This reflects Ukraine’s strategic vision and its desire to keep pace with global technological trends, even in emergency conditions.

An additional factor affecting the pace of 5G rollout is the economic situation. Investments in the latest network technologies require substantial financial resources, which are especially limited during wartime. Operators are forced to balance between supporting critical 4G infrastructure, which provides connectivity for most of the population, and investing in new technologies that are not yet fully commercially justified. At the same time, the potential benefits of 5G for the economy, such as higher productivity, the creation of new business models, and faster innovation, make it a strategically important direction for development.

In addition, the issue of 5G deployment is closely linked to the availability of appropriate equipment and infrastructure. Supplying new telecommunications equipment may be complicated by logistical problems caused by the war, as well as by the need to comply with strict safety standards. Thus, a comprehensive approach that takes into account security, economic, technical, and logistical aspects is key to the successful implementation of 5G in Ukraine.