Kyivstar Launches 5G Pilot Program in Lviv

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar has launched its first local pilot 5G project in Lviv, Ukraine, aiming to evaluate the technology's performance in urban conditions and expand coverage to other cities post-evaluation [1][2][3]. Group 1: 5G Pilot Project - The pilot project in Lviv is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine to enhance digital connectivity [1][2]. - Following successful evaluations, 5G coverage will be gradually expanded to cities like Kharkiv and Borodianka, with plans for Kyiv and Odesa in 2026 [2]. - The testing locations were chosen based on population density and infrastructure readiness, with a full-scale rollout contingent on the end of the war [2]. Group 2: Company Investments and Goals - Kyivstar is investing USD 1 billion from 2023 to 2027 to rebuild Ukraine's connectivity and digital infrastructure, which includes energy resilience and digital services [4][7]. - The company has already activated base stations for 5G in Lviv and conducted initial tests confirming its readiness for broader deployment [4]. - Kyivstar's 5G network achieved peak download speeds exceeding 2.4 Gbps during pre-launch testing, with ongoing efforts to modernize its 4G network [5]. Group 3: Social Responsibility and Market Position - Over the past three years, Kyivstar has allocated more than UAH 3.4 billion to support the Defense Forces and social projects amid wartime challenges [9]. - The company serves over 22.5 million mobile customers and is recognized as a leading digital operator in Ukraine, contributing significantly to the economy as a major taxpayer [6][9].