The Telecom Circle community tested 5G network speeds in the village of Borodyanka in the Kyiv region, where three mobile operators—Kyivstar, Vodafone, and Lifecell—are operating test networks. This was reported by Mediasat and the PromPolitInform portal.
As a reminder, at the end of January 2026, all three operators launched 5G pilot zones in the central part of Borodyanka. The networks operate at 3500 MHz frequencies and are available to subscribers free of charge in test mode.
Kyivstar Test Results
On January 28, Kyivstar launched a 5G pilot zone in Borodyanka. Coverage covers approximately 3.5 square kilometers in the village center and surrounding areas. According to the operator, speeds can reach from 600-700 Mbps to peaks of 1.5-1.7 Gbps, depending on the load.
Vodafone Test Results
Vodafone also began open 5G testing in Borodyanka on January 28. The network operates in the 3500 MHz band and covers the central part of the village and surrounding streets. The operator implemented the launch in partnership with European equipment supplier Nokia. Testing is expected to continue until the end of 2026.
lifecell Test Results
lifecell also launched a 5G test network in Borodyanka at the end of January. The technology delivers peak speeds of over 1 Gbps and is up to ten times faster than average LTE speeds. This allows subscribers to seamlessly use cloud services, watch high-quality video without lag, quickly download large files, and use virtual and augmented reality technologies. Reference
All three networks operate using the NSA standard, with the 5G radio working in conjunction with the existing 4G infrastructure. Coverage is concentrated in the central part of Borodyanka, specifically on Vokzalna, Tsentralnaya, and adjacent streets.
To use the test networks, subscribers need a smartphone supporting the n78 band (3500 MHz), a USIM or eSIM card, and the latest version of the operating system. Traffic is charged according to standard tariff plans with no additional fees.
The selection of Borodyanka for testing is strategically important. The town is actively recovering from the destruction caused by military operations and has become a testing ground for digital solutions during the infrastructure restoration process. At the same time, testing in a small town gives operators the opportunity to study network performance in conditions different from those in large cities—with lower user density and compact urban infrastructure.
