On 4 March, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted amendments to the procedure for reservation of employees of mobile operators and internet providers who are liable for military service. The new rules allow operators to ensure the stability of the Internet and mobile communications, especially during blackouts.

Employees of telecoms providers engaged in the construction of power outage-resistant networks using xPON technology or building energy-resistant networks on motorways and national roads are subject to reservation. This requires a decision of the Ministry of Digital Transformation to designate the enterprise as critical and the inclusion of employees in such teams by the head of the enterprise.

The decision contributes to the smooth functioning of critical telecoms infrastructure and strengthens the country's digital resilience during martial law.
"Stable communications and the Internet are not just a convenience, but a critical need in times of war.

Reservation of construction crews will facilitate the rapid development of non-volatile networks that will guarantee the uninterrupted operation of critical enterprises and services," said Vitalii Kindrativ, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

In order to reserve construction crews, a company must meet the following requirements:
• be included by the Ministry of Digital Transformation in the list of critical enterprises engaged in the construction of xPON networks.
• implement xPON network development projects and have approved construction plans for at least one year.

In addition, mobile operators will be alliwed to reserve all employees of construction teams involved in the creation of non-volatile networks along motorways and national roads.

The process of booking construction crews will take place through Diia, similar to the booking of emergency services. The Ministry of Digital Transformation will be responsible for compiling a list of such companies and is currently working on the criteria for their inclusion. If a provider or operator fails to carry out the planned construction work, it will be removed from the list and the reservation of employees will be cancelled.

Why is it important?

• Government agencies and enterprises critical to the economy and defence will be able to operate without interruption.
• One million more families will have access to reliable internet, which will enable them to use public services, call emergency services and keep in touch with their loved ones.
• Conditions for distance learning for schoolchildren will improve.

Development of sustainable telecommunication networks is not only about convenient Internet access, but also about the security of the state.
The enemy is trying to deprive us of communication, but Ukraine is doing everything possible to keep it stable. The creation of energy-independent networks is one of the key areas of the Electronic Communications Development Strategy until 2030.