Kyivstar completes transition from mass 3G use, redirects freed-up resources to LTE network development
Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest telecom operator, announced the cessation of its third-generation (3G) network, resulting in more than 1 million subscribers migrating to 4G.
Kyivstar, Ukraine's leading telecom operator, has announced the end of its third-generation (3G) network. This transition has led to over 1 million subscribers moving to 4G. The freed-up spectrum has been utilized to enhance the LTE network. By phasing out 3G, Kyivstar has increased the available 4G bandwidth by 25%, leading to faster and more stable mobile services.
The company began the 3G phase-out in 2023, covering all regions of the country. The redistribution of the 20 MHz of the 2100 MHz band has resulted in a 20-40% increase in data transfer speeds, depending on the location. As of the latest report, the average download speed on the network stands at nearly 100 Mbps, with major cities recording speeds exceeding this.
While 3G will be temporarily retained for certain B2B clients due to specific equipment locations, its complete transition to 4G is expected soon. In major cities, including Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Khmelnytsky, 3G will be fully replaced by 4G. Lifecell LLC, a subsidiary of DVL Group, will also shut down its 3G network in specific settlements across 17 regions of Ukraine on September 3, transitioning to 4G/LTE technology.
According to the National Commission for Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services, Kyivstar topped the list of telecommunications service revenue in Ukraine for the first quarter of 2026, with UAH 12.08 billion in revenue, followed by VF Ukraine PJSC (Vodafone Ukraine) with UAH 6.69 billion, and Lifecell LLC with UAH 4.2 billion.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
