The government plans for at least 70% of mobile phone base stations to be able to operate without power for at least 72 hours during power outages using alternative power sources. The corresponding indicator is set for 2026-2027, so that Ukrainians can stay in touch longer and have access to mobile Internet during long outages.
The media writes about this with reference to the program of activities of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. It is noted that for this, stations must use alternative power sources. The point is that the mobile infrastructure must be able to continue to operate even in a situation where there is no electricity from the network for a long time. If previously the main emphasis was on maintaining communication during the first hours after a shutdown, now the goal includes up to three days of battery life for most base stations. During large-scale power outages, mobile communications becomes one of the critical infrastructures. People need a phone not only for communication. Through the mobile Internet, Ukrainians get access to government services, banking applications, electronic documents, maps, news and emergency information. In addition, stable mobile networks are important for businesses, emergency services and government agencies. Prolonged power outages at base stations can lead to a gradual deterioration of coverage and overload of those stations that remain operational. Therefore, increasing network autonomy should help operators maintain communications even in difficult conditions. This may be especially relevant in winter, when the load on the energy system traditionally increases, and the risk of long-term emergency or planned power outages remains.. To ensure autonomous operation of base stations, mobile operators can use various alternative power sources - battery systems, generators and other solutions. The specific set of equipment may vary depending on the type of base station, its location, load and technical capabilities.
It is important for the operator not only to have a backup power source, but also to ensure that it can operate for an extended period. For example, a generator requires fuel and battery systems have limited capacity.
In parallel with increasing the stability of the mobile network, the government plans to develop new generation technologies. Pilot implementation of 5G mobile communications is planned for 2026. We are talking about testing the technology in individual cities and towns. At the same time, the program indicates exceptions - Lviv, Kharkov, Borodyanka and Kyiv, as well as Odessa. 5G is expected to provide significantly higher data speeds and lower signal latency, but it requires the appropriate infrastructure, equipment and coverage for its large-scale implementation. The government's program of activities provides not only for strengthening mobile communications, but also for further digitalization of public services. During 2026–2027, it is planned to ensure the availability of priority electronic services for citizens and businesses.
In particular, the government sets the task of digitizing at least 50 public services. Among the areas that should receive new or improved electronic services:.
A separate block of government plans concerns the further development of the portal and the Diya application. Among the planned innovations is the creation of an electronic democracy tool єDumka. It should allow citizens to communicate with local governments and military administrations.
The government also plans to expand digital opportunities for foreigners. In particular, it is planned to provide access to the Diya portal for foreigners using a biometric passport document.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Government Activity Program on August 17, 2026. The document defines the key tasks and targets of the government for the coming period. Next, the program should be considered by the Verkhovna Rada in accordance with the established procedure.
It is important that the indicators indicated in the document are precisely government goals and planned tasks. Their actual implementation will depend on funding, technical readiness, adoption of the necessary laws and interaction of the state with mobile operators.