Ukraine takes its first concrete step toward 5G despite full-scale war
Ukraine will launch a pilot 5G project as early as January, with the first test zones opening in two Ukrainian cities, primarily in their central districts. The pilot phase will later be expanded nationwide.
The announcement was made by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, during a TikTok livestream summarizing the Ministry’s work in 2025.
What the Minister Said
Responding to questions about the timeline for 5G deployment, Fedorov emphasized that the rollout would happen sooner than many expect:
“Very soon — sooner than people think. Already in January, there will be pilot 5G zones in two cities. These will be city centers. This is the first important step that will later be scaled up as we gradually move along this path,” Fedorov said.
Why Launching 5G During Wartime Is Challenging
According to Fedorov, deploying 5G during a full-scale war is an exceptionally complex technical task. The technology operates on specific frequencies that must be carefully coordinated with:
- military aircraft systems;
- radar infrastructure;
- electronic warfare equipment;
- national security frequency regulations.
Ensuring full compatibility with defense and security systems was a key prerequisite for the launch. The minister noted that Ukraine’s digital and security teams have successfully resolved these challenges, allowing the pilot to move forward.
What the 5G Pilot Means for Ukraine
The launch of pilot 5G zones marks:
- the beginning of next-generation digital infrastructure in Ukraine;
- groundwork for advanced digital services and smart technologies;
- increased investment attractiveness of the Ukrainian tech sector;
- further integration with Europe’s digital ecosystem.
Earlier reports indicated that partial nationwide 5G coverage could be achieved by 2030, making the January pilot a critical milestone in Ukraine’s long-term digital transformation.
