Ukraine’s regulator approves frequency exchange in 2100 MHz band between Kyivstar and VF Ukraine

On January 15, the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radiofrequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services (NCEC) approved the exchange of frequencies in the 2100 MHz band between mobile operators Kyivstar and JSC VF Ukraine (Vodafone Ukraine).

The decision, published on the NCEC website on Wednesday, states: "…to approve the transfer of individual rights under license No. 500 dated December 17, 2024, for cellular radio communication from JSC Kyivstar to JSC VF Ukraine across 24 regions of Ukraine; and to approve the transfer by JSC VF Ukraine of part of the individual rights under license No. 412 dated November 29, 2024, for cellular radio communication across 27 regions of Ukraine."

Previously, it was reported that NCEC was considering requests from Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, and VF Ukraine, the second-largest, to exchange frequencies in the 2100 MHz band.

As part of the exchange, VF Ukraine will transfer to Kyivstar individual rights to use the radio spectrum in the 1960.0-1965.0 MHz/2150.0-2155.0 MHz bands across 27 regions of Ukraine, valid until March 23, 2030. VF Ukraine will retain the 1950.0-1960.0 MHz/2140.0-2150.0 MHz bands. Kyivstar will transfer to VF Ukraine the 1940.0-1945.0 MHz/2130.0-2135.0 MHz bands, valid until December 16, 2039.

The exchange aims to eliminate fragmentation in the frequency bands, creating unified "sets" that will enable more efficient spectrum usage and improve the quality of services offered by both operators.