The 2100 MHz spectrum will be reallocated to 4G to enhance internet speeds
Starting September 3, 2026, lifecell is phasing out 3G support in selected settlements across 17 regions. The freed-up spectrum will be utilized to expand the capacity of the company's LTE network. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing information from lifecell.
As part of its telecommunications infrastructure optimization, the company is fully reallocating the 2100 MHz band to the fourth-generation technology. The changes will affect the Zhytomyr and Mykolaiv regions, as well as 468 locations across 15 other regions where the legacy connection standard was previously active.
Network technical upgrade
Equipment preparation for the transition is already complete. Engineers are configuring base stations to operate in a 20 MHz band, which will provide more stable data transmission during peak loads. Upgrades will be performed without service interruptions within a few weeks after the official shutdown date.
According to internal data, about 88% of subscribers in the affected areas are already using LTE-enabled hardware, meaning the transition will occur automatically for them. Another 9% of consumers are using devices that rely exclusively on 2G, which will remain unaffected by the current updates.
Replacing outdated SIM cards
Users whose SIM cards do not support the modern standard are advised to upgrade to USIM or eSIM. The promotional cost for the replacement is 0.01 UAH, and the offer is valid until October 10, 2026, at official retail locations while keeping the subscriber’s current number.
A simple SIM card replacement is insufficient for a full 4G transition if the phone itself lacks the necessary technology. Previous network modernization efforts in other regions indicate that after 3G shutdown and 4G expansion, average mobile internet speeds increased by approximately 20–30%.
Illustrative photo: Roman Zacharij / Public domain
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