Why this matters now
Already in January 2026 the first pilot zones with 5G coverage will appear in Ukraine — in parts of two cities. The announcement was made by Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov; the launch is expected within the next two weeks. This is not just a technical step: the launch is taking place during wartime, when every decision must be assessed in terms of security, compatibility with military systems, and economic feasibility.
What officials said
"Implementing such projects during wartime is difficult. One must take into account the operation of military aircraft, radars, and electronic warfare systems"
— Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
Fedorov added that testing was carried out jointly with the military, and preparations took a long time precisely because of the need to coordinate frequency parameters and avoid risks to defense systems. Earlier in the summer there were test 5G launches in two other settlements, and Deputy Minister Stanislav Prybytyko reminded that full network coverage may take years: by 2030, 5G will likely cover only part of the country.
"By 2030, 5G will cover only part of Ukraine"
— Stanislav Prybytyko, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation
Technical limitations and risks
The key reason for delays is the frequency spectrum and compatibility with defense systems. 5G operates on frequencies that can interact with radars or communication systems of military platforms; therefore testing and pilots are running in parallel with military checks and measurements of interference levels. In addition, infrastructure work during hostilities is complicated by logistics, risks to equipment, and funding constraints.
What this will give people and businesses
Pilot zones are not instant coverage for everyone, but they are an important marker: firstly, they allow testing of real network operation scenarios under Ukrainian conditions; secondly, they will stimulate investment in local infrastructure, IoT projects and digital services that increase the efficiency of businesses and public services. Analysts and industry experts note that successful pilots raise the chance of accelerating further network rollout after the security situation stabilizes.
Brief outlook
The launch in two cities is an important test, but not an automatic start to mass coverage. What matters next is effective coordination with the military, transparent spectrum allocation, funding for infrastructure, and operators’ readiness to scale networks. For every Ukrainian this means: for now — local benefits and experiments, with the prospect of wider access to high-speed connectivity in the coming years. The question remains practical — will these pilots turn into a sustained wave of investment that supports the country’s recovery and digital transformation?
