Kyivstar completes 3G-to-4G migration for over 1 million users

TL;DR: Kyivstar said on 8 September 2026 that it had completed the migration of more than 1 million 3G subscribers to 4G in Ukraine, with limited 3G service remaining for a small number of B2B customers. The operator said the move increased its 4G spectrum resources by 25% and raised 4G data speeds by 20% to 40%, with average download speeds nearing 100 Mbps as of August 2026.

Kyivstar said on 8 September 2026 that it had completed the migration of over 1 million 3G subscribers to 4G in Ukraine, apart from a few exceptions. The operator said the migration freed spectrum capacity for its 4G network.

Kyivstar began a phased 3G winddown in 2023 across different regions of Ukraine. The operator said the shutdown was delayed in some areas affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.

Kyivstar said customers could replace a 3G SIM with a 4G USIM at no extra charge, and it offered promotions for smartphone upgrades where needed. The operator said mass 3G shutdown is complete, but 3G will remain active in specific locations for a small number of B2B clients still using 3G equipment.

Kyivstar said the migration allowed it to use all 20 MHz of its 2100 MHz spectrum for 4G, increasing 4G spectrum resources by 25%. The operator said refarming the former 3G spectrum increased 4G data transmission speeds by 20% to 40% depending on location, with average download speeds approaching 100 Mbps as of August 2026.