Kyivstar will launch a test 4G in the new 700 MHz band: why is it needed and where will the experiment take place

This is stated in the relevant draft decision of the regulator .

Where and when will the tests be held?

The experiment will be short-term and will last almost three months: from May 18 to August 15, 2026.

The Lviv region was chosen for the tests. The test segment will be deployed at 15 specially designated sites (base stations).

Why does the operator need new frequencies?

The main goal of the tests is to measure the real increase in coverage radius.

Currently, operators use the 900 MHz band for 4G and 2G coverage. Kyivstar wants to test in practice how the new spectral resource (band up to 2×20 MHz) will behave at 700 MHz frequencies. The physics of radio wave propagation is such that lower frequencies allow one base station to cover a larger area and better «penetrate» building walls.

What equipment will be used?

Base stations from two key vendors will be deployed for testing:

• Ericsson Radio 4486 (Sweden);

• Huawei RRU5616t (China).

What about safety and disruption to others?

The 700 MHz band has long been occupied by television and is used by the military. Therefore, permission for Kyivstar’s tests had to be coordinated with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting, and Ukrchastotnadzor (UDCR).

The main condition of the NKEC: the equipment must not create electromagnetic interference for other users of the airwaves, and must also be completely safe for the health of people and pets.

Within a month after the end of the experiment (by mid-September 2026), Kyivstar must provide the regulator with a detailed report on whether the use of the new frequencies was justified.