Odesa has officially launched open pilot testing of the 5G mobile network. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the Ministry of Digital Transformation, which published a corresponding statement in its Telegram channel. Next-generation connectivity is already operational in the central part of the city. Odesa has become the fifth Ukrainian city where the technology has been rolled out: before it, successful 5G testing was carried out in Lviv, Borodyanka, Kharkiv and Kyiv.
Network speed and technical specifications
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the average data transfer speed on the 5G network within the pilot coverage area is 600–700 Mbit/s, peaking at over 1 Gbit/s. Notably, during preliminary trials in previously connected cities, the maximum speed at a base station under load reached almost 2 Gbit/s. These figures substantially exceed the capabilities of existing LTE networks and open up possibilities for data-intensive applications — from high-resolution video streaming to cloud services and remote work.
Offloading LTE and stability in crowded areas
One of the key advantages of deploying 5G is offloading existing LTE networks. The next-generation network takes on part of the traffic, which helps maintain stable connection quality even in locations with high user density — at stadiums, shopping centers and large events. During the pilot trials in Lviv, Borodyanka, Kharkiv and Kyiv, more than 1.5 million unique customers connected to the 5G network, confirming sustained subscriber interest in the technology.
How to connect: automatic mode and billing
No separate activation of the service is required: a 5G-capable smartphone automatically registers on the network when within coverage. 5G traffic is billed under the same terms as 4G, in accordance with the user's current rate plan. If a SIM card supports 4G, it will also work on 5G — the only condition is having a compatible smartphone. To check the readiness of their SIM card and device for the new network, Vodafone users can use the USSD command *222#. If the 5G icon does not appear on the screen, it is recommended to check the settings in the “Cellular data” or “Mobile network” section, update the operating system, disable battery and data saver modes, and restart the device or toggle airplane mode to re-register on the network.
The pricing question: the Ministry of Digital Transformation's position
In July 2026, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for Digital Infrastructure Development Stanislav Prybytko commented on subscribers' widespread concern about a possible increase in the cost of connectivity. “The Ministry of Digital Transformation does not influence the formation of mobile operators' tariffs; however, together with the mobile operators we have repeatedly said that the launch of 5G does not mean an automatic increase in tariffs,” he stated. According to him, the main point is a faster, more comfortable and more stable mobile internet, not additional charges for users.
Context and timeline of the rollout
The rollout of 5G in Ukraine is being carried out in stages. According to previously announced plans by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, testing of the technology began in the summer of 2026 in Kyiv and was then extended to other cities. The transition from pilot zones to broader coverage is happening sequentially: first Lviv, Borodyanka, Kharkiv and Kyiv, and now Odesa. This approach allows operators and the regulator to work through technical and organizational issues with a limited audience before scaling the network across the country.
