5G has been launched in Odessa on a trial basis
The 5G network in Odesa began operating in test mode at 12:00 p.m.
Odesa will be the next Ukrainian city to roll out a pilot network for next-generation mobile communications.
Prior to the launch in Odesa, 5G technology was tested in Lviv, Borodianka, and Kharkiv.
In the capital, the pilot network has already been launched in central Kyiv—from Independence Square to Bessarabska Square. In addition, mobile operators have set up additional locations where users can connect to 5G.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation notes that the average connection speed on the network is 600–700 Mbit/s, and in some areas it can exceed 1 Gbit/s.
The ministry also reported that the technology functions reliably even under heavy load during peak hours. In total, more than 1.5 million Ukrainians have already tested 5G.
To use the new network, simply update your mobile device’s software to the latest version.
If a smartphone supports 5G, it will automatically detect the network and connect to it as soon as the user is within the coverage area.
5G is a new generation of mobile communications that provides significantly higher data transfer speeds, a more stable connection, and potentially wider coverage.
Based on these specifications, the 5G network can be up to 10 times faster than 4G, opening up more opportunities for fast mobile internet use, the transfer of large amounts of data, and the operation of modern digital services.
This was stated by Stanislav Prybyтко, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, according to a report from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
As a reminder, Ukraine plans to amend the rules governing the use of railway land so that mobile operators can more quickly install the necessary equipment along the tracks. This should help resolve the issue of weak mobile signal and unstable internet connectivity that passengers often encounter while traveling by train.
Kyivstar has expanded the capabilities of its Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity and launched mobile data transmission in Light Data mode, which allows users to access basic online services even without a terrestrial network. Ukrainians will be able to use messaging apps, access maps, and exchange messages via satellite. The technology is positioned as a backup communication solution during outages and crises.
Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate an executive panel discussion at the 17th Middle East Banking Innovation Summit (MEBIS 2026), which will take place on September 16–17 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.
