The government approved the final schedule for the complete shutdown of 3G mobile internet in Ukraine, planned for December 31, 2030. This decision is aimed at freeing up spectrum for use by more modern technologies, in particular 5G, and modernizing the entire radio spectrum of the country.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, this step will allow operators to upgrade the network more quickly and improve the stability and speed of connections for users across the country.
3G shutdown began as early as the beginning of 2025 in some cities and settlements. Residents and subscribers will be notified in advance to have time to adapt to the changes and transition to more modern standards.
For feature phone owners, the new terms will hardly affect them: calls and SMS will still be available over 2G networks. If a settlement only has 3G connectivity, it will be replaced with one of the more modern technologies, and until 4G becomes available there, the shutdown will not take place.
Mobile operators also offer a free SIM card exchange for those that do not support 4G, with the subscribers’ numbers preserved. This will allow users to switch to new cards without issues and keep their mobile numbers unchanged.
What will change before the full transition to 4G and 5G
The gradual modernization of networks will cover major cities and key regions, after which the process will expand to smaller settlements. The main goal is to reduce the use of outdated frequencies and create conditions for the deployment of faster and more reliable 4G and 5G services, which will enable the development of new digital services, the Internet of Things, and mobile services.
Users are advised to check their devices’ compatibility with the new networks, update their SIM card if possible, and, if necessary, contact their operator for guidance on SIM exchanges. It is also advisable to plan to use 4G- or 5G-capable devices to ensure uninterrupted access to mobile Internet and new services.
After the full transition to these more modern standards, improvements in mobile connectivity quality, reduced latency, and increased data speeds are expected for both private users and businesses. The development of next-generation networks will open up opportunities for a broader range of digital services and integration into citizens’ daily lives.
The changes will be carefully managed and planned in advance to avoid disruptions to operators’ services and to ensure a smooth transition for the population. It is important to monitor communications from your mobile operator and follow guidance on equipment updates and SIM-card replacements.
Source: https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ukraine-to-fully-shut-down-3g-by-2030-for-4g-and-5g-upgrade/
