Digital Modernization: Kyivstar to Switch Off 3G in Several Ukrainian Regions Starting August 18

Starting August 18, 2026, Ukraine will begin a major phase of technological modernization of its telecommunications infrastructure. The country's largest operator, Kyivstar, has announced the complete shutdown of the third-generation (3G) network in a number of settlements across several regions. This decision is part of a long-term strategy to transition to more modern communication standards, which will significantly increase mobile internet speeds and voice call quality for subscribers.

Frequency Reallocation in Favor of 4G and 5G

The primary reason for shutting down the outdated 3G technology is the need to free up radio frequency spectrum. According to official statements from the operator, frequencies previously used to serve the 3G network will be reallocated to the 4G (LTE) standard. This will allow for expanded coverage of high-speed internet, improved stability, and faster data transfer rates. Ultimately, these measures aim to lay the foundation for the future deployment of 5G networks across Ukraine.

Experts note that switching off 3G is a global trend that allows telecom operators to optimize costs associated with maintaining outdated equipment and redirect resources toward developing current technologies. For subscribers, this means that in the designated regions, connectivity will be faster and of higher quality, provided they use compatible devices.

Instructions for Subscribers: How to Prepare for the Shutdown

For smartphone users who already support the 4G standard, the transition will be almost seamless. However, the operator recommends checking device settings before August 18. To ensure stable voice calls and mobile internet, users must verify that their network settings are set to automatic switching (2G/3G/4G/5G) and that the VoLTE (Voice over LTE) service is activated. If VoLTE is disabled, voice calls may fail after the 3G shutdown, as the network will switch to 2G, which does not always guarantee stability.

For those using older phone models that do not support 4G, or who have outdated SIM cards, more active action is required. Subscribers must replace their SIM card with a new-style USIM card. Kyivstar offers free card replacement while retaining the phone number. Users can do this by visiting any Kyivstar retail store or using partner services.

Geography of Changes and Long-Term Prospects

While the exact list of settlements affected by the shutdown is published on the operator's website, the changes will impact several regions where 3G coverage was previously most in demand. The operator emphasizes that this is not a one-off action but a systematic process. In the future, 3G will be phased out in other regions as well to ensure nationwide coverage of high-speed internet. This is crucial for the development of the digital economy, remote work, and the use of modern services requiring high bandwidth.