Vodafone Ukraine and Kyivstar have signed a memorandum of intent (MOI) on network sharing.
It covers both passive and active infrastructure on their mobile networks and should result in the acceleration of LTE technology coverage of Ukraine.
Commenting on the development, Olga Ustinova, CEO of Vodafone Ukraine, said: “Constructive cooperation of operators testifies to a civilised approach to network development. Turning to a tool such as network sharing, we draw on the leading experience of our European counterparts in building high-speed internet networks, for example, as Vodafone and Telecom Italia Group do in building 4G and 5G in Italy. Objective and seemingly insurmountable circumstances such as quarantine and lack of roaming revenue could make adjustments to the coverage. But we understand the importance of building infrastructure as quickly as possible to ensure equal access to digital services. Sharing networks will make our investments more efficient. Namely, not only to comply with the commitment to cover, but also to bring high-speed internet to small villages with a population of less than 2,000 inhabitants”.
Oleksandr Komarov, president of Kyivstar, added: “Our company has once again taken an initiative aimed at improving the competitive environment for the entire telecom market. Partnership and cooperation in the use of mobile networks will allow mobile operators to accelerate the elimination of the digital divide between cities and villages, and to implement their investment plans, despite the decline in market revenues. We offered all mobile operators in Ukraine to join the memorandum and are glad that Vodafone Ukraine supported this idea. The memorandum is open to all players who want to develop new mobile technologies on mutually beneficial terms”.
The operators plan to start the practical implementation of the memorandum in November-December 2020 after approval of the project by government agencies.
