Kyivstar expands 5G pilot network to Kyiv

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 27 October 2026; 259 views

Ukrainian operator Kyivstar has expanded its 5G pilot network to Kyiv, making the capital the fourth location where it is testing the technology following launches in Lviv, Borodyanka and Kharkiv.

The Kyiv deployment is the largest of the four test zones, with coverage including central landmarks such as Independence Square, Khreshchatyk, Sophia Square, the National Opera of Ukraine and Taras Shevchenko Park.

Kyivstar said preparations took more than six months and involved installing new base stations and upgrading network infrastructure. The capital was selected because of its high mobile data consumption, concentration of subscribers and smartphone compatibility, with almost 40% of devices on Kyivstar's network supporting 5G.

More than 724,000 Kyivstar subscribers have used the operator's 5G network during pilot testing, transferring more than 755 terabytes of data. Average speeds range from 600 to 700 Mbps, with peak speeds reaching 1.5-1.7 Gbps, according to the company.
Subscribers need a 5G-compatible smartphone with up-to-date software, a USIM SIM card and coverage to access the service. Existing tariffs continue to apply.

Despite the expansion, 4G remains Ukraine's main mobile technology. Kyivstar said its LTE network covers more than 96% of the country's population, with peak speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and that it continues to expand and modernise the network.

Kyivstar served around 22 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.2 million fixed-line subscribers as of March 2026.