Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The mobile operator Kyivstar continues updating its network and is gradually phasing out older 3G technology. Already 18 August 2026 of this year, the company will begin another stage of changes.
Where Kyivstar will turn off 3G
The innovations provide for replacing 3G with faster 4G. This should improve the speed and quality of mobile Internet, Kyivstar reports.
The changes will affect populated areas and districts in three regions of Ukraine. In particular:
Dnipropetrovsk region – Kryvyi Rih and Kryvorizky district;
Ivano-Frankivsk region – Hordonets, Dolyna, Snyatyn, Verkhovynskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kalush districts;
Khmelnytskyi region – Dunayivtsi, Krasyliv, Netishyn, Polonne, Starokostyantyniv, Khmelnytskyi, as well as Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi and Shepetivka districts.
For residents of these areas it is important to make sure that the phone supports 4G.
What will happen to the phone after 3G is turned off
If the smartphone supports 4G and the corresponding feature is activated, the subscriber will be able to continue using mobile Internet via LTE. Kyivstar recommends checking the phone settings and, if necessary, activating 4G.
If the SIM card does not support this technology, it can be replaced free of charge with a USIM. The phone number will remain the same. To replace the card, please visit the nearest Kyivstar store.
When Kyivstar will finally discontinue 3G
The largest mobile operator in Ukraine, Kyivstar, stated that this year will be the final year for 3G technology in the company’s network, reported Interfax-Ukraine.
We want to strengthen our technological leadership compared with competitors,
– said the CEO and president of the company, Oleksandr Komarov.
According to Komarov, the operator has practically fulfilled its license obligations regarding the development of the LTE network. Currently, 4G coverage covers almost 97% of Ukraine's population. The company also plans to provide LTE connectivity on all major roads in the country. At the same time, Oleksandr Komarov stated that he does not expect the launch of 5G in Ukraine before the war ends.
Most likely scenario – about 12 months after the war.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Уже з 18 серпня: абонентам Київстар повідомили про важливі зміни". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: Channel 24.