Today, a pilot project for the fifth-generation network — 5G — officially launched in Kyiv. This marks a significant step in the development of Ukraine's digital infrastructure, where nearly 1.5 million users have already had the opportunity to test the new communication technology. Kyiv has become the fourth city, following Lviv, Borodyanka, and Kharkiv, to launch 5G test zones.
Results of the First Tests: Speed and Coverage
According to Stanislav Prybytko, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for Digital Infrastructure Development, the initial results of the network's operation confirm its effectiveness. During testing, speeds exceeding 1 Gbps were recorded, with users averaging around 500 Mbps — several times faster than the 4G most people are accustomed to.
Interest in the technology is high: in Lviv, Borodyanka, and Kharkiv, nearly 1.5 million subscribers have already tested 5G. Moreover, approximately one in four smartphones in Ukraine already supports the 5G standard, indicating the market's readiness to transition to the new network.
Where can you catch 5G in Kyiv?
Currently, 5G coverage in Kyiv is limited to specific test locations. The main zone covers the central part of the city, from Maidan Nezalezhnosti to Bessarabska Square. Additionally, each mobile operator has its own additional points where subscribers can already use the new network.
The technology launch is happening in stages — this allows for testing the network's performance under real-world conditions, assessing load, and promptly improving its functionality if necessary. Gradually, the number of test zones will increase, along with the overall 5G coverage.
What does a user need to connect?
For most people, switching to 5G will be simple: if you have a 5G-enabled smartphone and are within the coverage area, you just need to enable this function in your phone's settings. However, keep in mind that 5G may not work in power-saving mode — the phone automatically disables energy-intensive functions to conserve battery charge.
If your phone supports only 4G or 3G, you won't be able to use 5G — but this doesn't mean older networks will stop working. The launch of 5G does not cancel existing communication standards.
Future Plans: Odesa and Scaling
Following Kyiv, the next city where the pilot 5G network is planned to expand is Odesa. This approach allows for testing the technology under different conditions — both in smaller communities and large metropolises; in areas with low-rise buildings as well as among dense high-rise developments, where network load differs significantly.
Already today, more than 300 5G base stations have been installed in Ukraine. In Kharkiv, where the pilot launched in February, the number of base stations increased 2.5-fold over five months — this shows that the network is developing gradually, based on testing results, actual demand, and operators' readiness to invest in infrastructure.
The Ministry emphasizes: the goal is not simply to "tick a box," but to ensure the network operates with high quality and safety. Coverage expansion depends on the security situation, the complexity of deployment in a specific city, and the volume of necessary investments. The larger the city, the more time and resources are required.
