Is 5G Available in Ukraine in 2026?

5G Availability in Ukraine in 2026 – Latest Facts and Reality

In 2026, Ukraine is actively testing and piloting 5th generation (5G) mobile network technology, but widespread consumer-ready 5G coverage is still not fully available nationwide. Unlike many countries where 5G has already replaced older mobile standards, Ukraine’s rollout remains in early stages of deployment under pilot programs due to both technical and regulatory challenges.

What Has Happened So Far?

The first official 5G pilot network in Ukraine was launched in Lviv at the beginning of 2026, marking the most advanced real-world test of 5G so far. This pilot enables locals and visitors in parts of Lviv to access speeds up to around 500 Mbps, significantly faster than typical 4G, but still far from full commercial coverage.

In addition to Lviv, similar tests are planned or underway in Borodyanka and Kharkiv, with later expansion into Kyiv and Odesa anticipated later in 2026 as infrastructure and frequency resources allow.

At the same time, all three major Ukrainian telecom operators — Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell — continue studying and preparing for future 5G deployment, even as they keep 4G networks running as the primary service for most customers.

Why Is 5G Not Everywhere Yet?

There are two main reasons full 5G coverage isn’t already widespread:

1. Frequency restrictions: 5G works best using multiple radio bands (like 700 MHz for broad coverage and 3500 MHz for high speed). Ukraine currently has limited available bandwidth in these critical bands due to military usage and other technical restrictions.

2. War-time challenges: Because Ukraine is still defending against military attacks, spectrum use and infrastructure expansion have been delayed or restricted for safety and security reasons. Telecom regulators must balance civilian and defense requirements before issuing full 5G licenses.

As a result, mass commercial 5G across Ukraine is still expected toward the late 2020s, with some industry roadmaps estimating a full rollout by around 2030.

Do You Need a Special Phone for 5G?

Yes — to use 5G where it’s available, your device must support 5G technology. Most newer smartphones (from brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) released in the past few years are 5G-compatible. But if your phone only supports 4G (LTE), it won’t connect to a 5G network even in pilot zones.

How 5G Works Compared to 4G

Before diving into pricing and best options, it’s useful to understand why 5G matters:

• Speed: 5G can deliver much higher speeds than 4G — potentially reaching hundreds of Mbps or more, compared to 4G’s typical peak speeds below 100 Mbps.

• Latency: The delay between sending a request and getting a response is lower with 5G, meaning smoother experiences in gaming, video calls, and real-time apps.

• Capacity: 5G supports more devices connected simultaneously, useful in crowded urban areas and for IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

However, until Ukraine has its frequency bands fully freed and licensed, real 5G networks won’t be widely available everywhere.

Where Can You Actually Use 5G in Ukraine Today?

As of early 2026, the most notable 5G coverage exists in:

• Lviv (pilot zones): First official 5G deployments where speeds have already been tested.

• Borodyanka and Kharkiv are expected to be the next locations for network growth, following the rollout timeline of current pilot programs.

• Future expansion: Kyiv and Odesa expected to see 5G pilots later in 2026, depending on regulatory progress and technical readiness.

In many other cities and towns, only 4G/LTE networks are available now, which remain reliable and widespread.

Best 5G Providers in Ukraine (Test & Future)

While full commercial 5G plans are not yet widely sold nationwide, here’s how the major mobile carriers stack up as they prepare for the future:

Kyivstar

• One of Ukraine’s largest telecom operators.

• Launched Ukraine’s first local 5G pilot zone in Lviv.

• Has a wide 4G/LTE network that covers millions of customers.

• Expected to lead early 5G expansion in major cities.

Why consider Kyivstar: great existing 4G coverage, early 5G pilot access, strong network investment.

Vodafone Ukraine

• Participates in 5G pilot testing with partners and has tested technology since 2024.

• Active in trials in Kyiv and other areas.

• Works to integrate 5G into existing infrastructure.

Why consider Vodafone: early adoption testing, strong infrastructure development.

lifecell

• Also preparing for 5G launch and participating in discussions with regulators.

• Typically competitive pricing and flexible plans.

• Emphasizes business and IoT solutions alongside consumer services.

Why consider lifecell: value-oriented plans and readiness for future 5G availability.

What Will 5G Cost in Ukraine?

Because Ukraine has not fully launched 5G commercially in most areas yet, official 5G tariff plans with unique pricing are not widely available nationwide as of early 2026. BUT there are key points to understand:

Current Pilot Phase

• Operators involved in 5G tests in Lviv and other pilot cities have not increased prices compared to regular plans during the testing phase.

• This means customers using 4G-oriented plans in pilot zones may experience 5G speeds without higher cost while 5G is tested.

• Real dedicated 5G pricing will appear once networks are fully launched.

Expected Commercial 5G Pricing

When 5G opens for general consumer use, pricing will likely vary based on:

– Provider (Kyivstar, Vodafone, lifecell)
– Data allowance
– Speed caps and network features
– Contract length (monthly vs annual)

In many countries, 5G plans are priced slightly higher than 4G plans because of the technology’s improved performance. However, in Ukraine’s early rollout, operators have indicated that prices may remain similar to existing 4G tariffs initially to encourage adoption.

Example Cost Comparisons in the Broader Market

For travelers and short-term users (like tourists), international eSIM providers offer temporary data plans that claim 5G compatibility in Ukraine where available:

• Ubigi eSIM: 5G-ready plans with higher cost per GB but with access where 5G is live.

• Other providers (e.g., Airalo, Saily, Maya Mobile) mostly offer 4G-focused plans without true 5G access yet.

These prices are not Ukrainian carrier tariffs, but they reflect how mobile internet costs can vary when 5G is present.

When Will 5G Be Everywhere in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian government and telecom industry have a long-term plan to grow 5G and mobile infrastructure by 2030 — but this depends on political stability, spectrum allocation, and investment.

In simpler terms:

• 2024–2026: pilot tests and early rollout in select cities.

• 2027–2030: expected gradual expansion to more cities and rural areas.

• Beyond 2030: widespread nationwide 5G access likely.

Quick Facts

5G in Ukraine has officially entered the testing phase, a significant milestone given the technical and geopolitical challenges the country faces. While full coverage is still years away, early adopters in pilot cities can enjoy faster mobile data speeds where 5G networks are installed. Ukrainian telecom companies continue preparing for broader 5G deployment, and once frequencies are freed and infrastructure is built, 5G will bring faster, more reliable mobile internet to millions.