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Highlights

  • The large-scale project spans 2025–2026 and will enhance 4G capacity while readying the network for future 5G deployment.
  • Initial results from upgraded sites show an average increase of about 30% in data transfer speed and roughly 50% in network capacity.
  • Kyivstar received all key Ookla Speedtest Awards in Ukraine for the period covering H2 2024 and H1 2025, including Best Mobile Network.

Kyivstar (Nasdaq:KYIV), Ukraine’s foremost digital operator, has announced the commencement of a substantial network modernization project spanning 2025–2026. This initiative is engineered to elevate the standard of service, significantly expand the capacity of its 4G network, and ensure its infrastructure is fully prepared for the eventual deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications.

The large-scale program represents a comprehensive series of technical improvements to upgrade the operator's infrastructure. These measures include the replacement of legacy equipment and the update of radio modules, all aimed at delivering a notably better customer experience and overall service quality. This modernization goes beyond the company’s routine upgrades, promising a new tier of performance for its users.

Prioritizing High-Traffic Locations

Kyivstar is implementing a strategic rollout, focusing its initial efforts on telecommunications sites that experience the heaviest network traffic, defined by the highest volume of users and data consumption. The deployment of advanced, state-of-the-art equipment at these critical locations will lead to a considerable increase in network capacity and data transmission speeds.

New software features enabled by this equipment are capable of facilitating a significant expansion in the amount of data transferred within the same timeframe. For customers, this translates directly to quicker download speeds and maintained stability of service, even during periods of heavy network load.

Initial Results and Operational Impact

The operator is already analyzing the performance metrics from the completed initial phases of work. The sites that received the earliest upgrades are now reporting a measured average increase of approximately 30% in data transfer speed and a gain of roughly 50% in network capacity.

It is anticipated that during the necessary phases of equipment replacement and network reconfiguration, customers in certain areas may temporarily experience minor, short-term fluctuations in mobile internet speed, call quality, or radio coverage. The company notes that these temporary changes are standard steps inherent to the modernization process, which is designed to yield much greater long-term service stability and quality.

Industry Recognition and Performance

The decision to launch this major project follows Kyivstar's sustained commitment to investing in and expanding its infrastructure. Due to these ongoing efforts, the operator has again been recognized by Ookla, the global leader in connectivity analytics and creator of the Speedtest service.

Based on performance data compiled from the latter half of 2024 and the first half of 2025, Kyivstar secured all key Speedtest Awards in Ukraine. The company was named for the Best Mobile Coverage, the Fastest Mobile Network, and the Best Mobile Network overall.

Kyivstar Group Ltd, the Nasdaq-listed holding company (Nasdaq: KYIV; KYIVW) managing the group of companies in Ukraine, confirms that this modernization project is integral to maintaining its position as the country's leading digital operator and continuing to set a benchmark for mobile service quality in the region.