Ukraine is allowing the repurposing of 800MHz and 900MHz spectrum to facilitate deployments of 4G/LTE mobile networks.
The decision by the country’s Cabinet of Ministers to update the national frequency plan will permit operators to renew their licences next month to receive technology-neutral concessions.
CDMA operator Intertelecom has been granted a 4G/LTE licence by the country’s National Commission for State Regulation of Communications & Informatization (NCCIR/NKRZI) which will be issued on 1st April 2020.
Intertelecom has been cleared to deploy a nationwide network that will provide services over refarmed 800MHz spectrum. The operator has confirmed to its subscribers that it will continue to offer CDMA services alongside LTE until 2025, and that it will introduce reward schemes to incentivise users to switch to the newer technology.
Kyivstar, Lifecell and Vodafone are also expected to renew their licences, with the latter two primed to begin expanding their LTE networks from July using the 800MHz-900MHz bands. The amendments now also permit the 3700MHz-3800MHz bands to be used for mobile coverage.
