Ukrainian President signs decree on allocation of radio frequencies for 3G, 4G

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed Decree No. 497/2019, dated July 8, 2019, on improving access to the mobile Internet, which determines the timing for the allocation of radio frequencies for the introduction of 3G and 4G mobile communication services.

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According to the document, the Cabinet of Ministers and Ukraine's National Commission for Communications and Informatization Regulation (NCCIR), before October 1, 2019, shall determine the conditions for the joint operation of radio electronic facilities of special users of Ukraine's radio frequency resource with radio electronic means of 3G and 4G mobile communications networks of common users of the said resources in the 790-960 MHz band.

Moreover, the terms and conditions for the release of the radio frequency resource in the 880-915 MHz and the 925-960 MHz bands by special users are to be set before October 1, 2019.

In addition, the Cabinet and the NCCIR are required to take measures before August 1 to release the radio frequency resource within the 790-862 MHz band for the introduction of 3G and 4G.

Measures shall also be taken before October 1 to eliminate the fragmentation of the radio frequency resource in the 824–960 MHz band.

Furthermore, the Cabinet and the NCCIR shall contribute to the introduction of 3G and/or 4G, including by changing the plan for use of Ukraine's radio frequency resource, if a decision is made on early introduction of new radio technology, as well as issuing and re-issuing in the prescribed manner (objectively, proportionally and transparently) of licenses to use the radio frequency resource in the 790-960 MHz band. The use of radio frequencies harmonized with the European Union and competitive conditions in the mobile service market shall be ensured as well.

As was reported earlier, a presidential decree was signed to introduce an action plan to improve the quality of mobile Internet in rural areas.