The Ministry of Digital Transformation team, supported by Nokia, is launching a pilot project to modernise internet networks in Ukraine. The project will upgrade telecom equipment and ensure the transition to energy independent internet networks. These networks will be more secure and resistant to shelling and power outages. It will keep Ukrainians connected in critical conditions and allow providers to avoid putting their employees at risk.

20% of Ukraine’s territory was under occupation. The destroyed digital infrastructure needs to be fully restored.

“In times of war, communications and the internet are a technological advantage over the enemy. One of our priorities is to provide more than 1 million Ukrainians living in frontline settlements with high-speed internet that does not depend on electricity and is resistant to regular shelling. I am grateful to Nokia for being the first to respond and join the project to restore telecommunications networks. The company is ready to provide state-of-the-art equipment for fixed-line internet access and mobile communications,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development and Minister of Digital Transformation.

The first stage of the project is to assess and analyse the damage. The next step is to design modernised networks and install and upgrade equipment.

Six settlements in Kherson, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions are being considered for the launch of the pilot project. The first region where we plan to launch the project is Kherson.

For example, in one of the villages in Kherson region that the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Nokia team recently visited, the only means of communication is Starlink near the village council.

After the pilot launch in several settlements, we plan to scale up the initiative. Making Ukrainian communications more sustainable and energy independent.