Over 7 years of MNP operation in Ukraine, 1,004,579 subscribers switched to lifecell from other mobile operators, while subscriber inflow exceeded outflow by five times
May 2026 marks seven years since the launch of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service in Ukraine. During this time, lifecell has established strong leadership in the number of subscribers switching to its network: the total subscriber inflow exceeded the outflow by five times. In April, the operator welcomed its millionth subscriber through the MNP service, the mobile operator reports, according to the Prompolitinform portal.
From the launch of the service through the end of April 2026, lifecell received about 67% of all ported numbers in Ukraine. The trend continues in 2026: during the first four months, around 70% of all number transfers were made to lifecell, while inflow exceeded outflow by 4.6 times. The highest ratio was recorded in 2024, when 12 times more subscribers switched to lifecell than left the operator.
Recently, the millionth subscriber joined the lifecell network using the number portability service and chose the “Maxi” tariff plan. To celebrate the occasion, the company gifted her 12 service packages — up to 48 weeks of mobile service free of additional charge — and presented an Apple iPhone 17, one of the newest devices in Apple’s lineup, featuring high performance, a high-quality camera, and a display with up to a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth content rendering.
“For me, lifecell is currently one of the best options in terms of price and quality. I had previously used this network, but at the beginning of the full-scale war I switched to another operator because it seemed more выгодно at the time. Later, we had a child, and it became very important for me to stay connected 24/7, while my previous operator occasionally failed me. The final reason was that during power outages, when even fixed-line internet disappeared in our building, lifecell’s mobile connection continued to work. That’s why I decided to return. The number transfer process was quick — everything was clearly explained to me step by step. Now I’m completely satisfied, and during outages I feel calmer knowing the connection won’t disappear,” says Yulia from Lviv.
Overall, since the launch of MNP, 1,004,579 subscribers have switched to lifecell from other mobile operators’ networks.
According to the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services (NCEC), during January–April 2026 lifecell accounted for 70% of all attracted numbers, while Kyivstar held 18% and Vodafone 12%.
According to the operator, lifecell’s success is linked to its “Maxi” and “Mega” tariff plans, as well as the reliability of its network during power outages.
Today, MNP in Ukraine has become a familiar and convenient way for users to quickly change operators without losing their phone number. According to the Ukrainian State Centre of Radio Frequencies (UCRF), which administers the centralized database of ported numbers (MNP) in Ukraine, the number transfer process takes one business day unless the subscriber specifies another preferred date. A number can be ported no more than once every 30 days.
It is also important to note that in March 2026, the NCEC published a draft resolution “On Approval of Amendments to the Procedure for Providing Number Portability Services.” The document proposes establishing the free provision of this service at the legislative level.
Text: Prompolitinform editorial team
Photo: lifecell
