Ukrainian mobile operators Photo: Getty images
Ukrainian mobile operators Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell have won a 15-year licence to use radio frequencies in the 2100/2300/2600 MHz bands. As a result of the auction, which took place on 19 November, the state budget will receive about UAH 3 billion. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday, 19 November.
The auction was held in the format of “voice bidding”, where participants raised their bids.
Auction results
- Vodafone won the first lot for 1945-1950/2135-2140 MHz for UAH 458.3 million.
- Lifecell received the second lot ( 1935-1940/2125-2130 MHz) for UAH 463 million, exceeding the starting price.
- Kyivstar won the third lot ( 1940-1945/2130-2135 MHz) for UAH 448.5 million.
- The fourth lot also went to Kyivstar for 2355-2395 MHz with a final bid of UAH 994.8 million.
- Vodafone received the fifth lot ( 2575-2610 MHz) for UAH 530 million.
The licences will come into force after the funds are transferred to the state treasury. Operators have one month to do this.
NKEC Chairman Oleksandr Zhyvotovsky stressed that the preparation of these frequencies began in 2021, but the war slowed down the process. In 2022, the frequencies were used temporarily to ensure grid stability.
“We are pleased to have finally achieved this goal. The auction was an important step for the development of telecoms infrastructure in Ukraine,” said Zhyvotovsky.
Significance for Ukraine
- The expected budget revenues of UAH 3 billion will strengthen the country’s financial stability.
- The acquired frequencies will allow operators to improve the quality of mobile communications and introduce modern technologies, including 5G.
This auction was an important signal for Ukraine’s investment climate, demonstrating the gradual recovery of the economy even in the midst of war.
