The Ministry of Digital Transformation, together with partners and representatives of the telecom industry, has for the first time presented a strategy for the development of electronic communications, which contains specific actions to restore and improve the sector.
“Electronic communications is one of the top priorities of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This is a crucial area for the comfortable life of people, the functioning of the digital state and the conduct of war, which directly affects our advantage over the enemy. That is why we have to do everything possible to ensure that every Ukrainian is connected and to help restore the electronic communications infrastructure,” says Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology, Minister of Digital Transformation.
According to him, the strategy for the effective development of the sector by 2030 will take into account both the challenges of war that the electronic communications sector faces and technological trends. It is not only a vision, but also a clear action plan.
What is the strategy?
The strategy focuses on two main areas: the availability of sustainable communications and the development of the electronic communications sector as the foundation of the economy. It also defines the measures needed to restore and develop the sector in wartime and post-war. In particular, improving consumer services, improving public policy, creating conditions for providing or improving mobile communication services and fixed and mobile Internet, integrating Ukraine into a single roaming zone with the EU, etc.
“Preliminary estimates indicate that operators are ready to invest six billion dollars over the next seven years, which is really a testament to the confidence and commitment of the sector and to Ukraine’s digital future,” said Jeffrey Lehrer, Deputy Mission Director for USAID Ukraine.
According to him, these investments represent not only financial contributions, but also confidence in Ukraine’s potential, resilience, and vision of a brighter future. USAID supports this strategy not only as a document, but also as a commitment to every Ukrainian that their voices will be heard, their needs will be met, and the future will be brighter thanks to the transformative power of electronic communications.
Sustainability and technology neutrality
One of the priorities of the strategy is to promote Internet Resilience and technological neutrality. Network resilience becomes crucial in the context of constant attacks on infrastructure, when failures can lead to significant economic and social losses. Therefore, the development of mechanisms that ensure the stability and reliability of network infrastructure is a critical need.
“We have great admiration for the people of Ukraine who have adapted quickly to the new environment of continuous attacks and infrastructure destruction and have found short-term solutions to ensure uninterrupted communications, mobile and internet services. However, long-term solutions are also needed,” said Stefan Kossoff, Director of Development at the British Embassy.
In his view, this strategy sets out how the government will mobilize much-needed investment to help rebuild infrastructure and spur innovation. This will restore communication networks in war-affected regions, provide high-speed Internet access, expand mobile coverage, and increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in the European digital market.
Strategy implementation and discussion
The implementation of the e-communications development strategy will involve three stages and will focus on two main areas: Internet accessibility and the development of e-communications as the foundation of the economy. The following results are expected:
- Communication everywhere and all the time. Regardless of place or time, every citizen will have access to reliable and high-speed electronic communication services.
- Ukraine in the EU’s Digital Single Market.
- Government online services are available to all citizens and allow them to receive online education, use telemedicine and other important government services.
- The foundation for the development of innovations has been created, which will allow Ukraine to become a center of innovation and technology in Europe. This will contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem and the development of digital content and e-commerce.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is now officially announcing the start of public discussions of the strategy, which will last two weeks. Upon completion, the strategy will be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. To read the text of the strategy and join the discussion, please follow the link.
Memorandum
During the event, Mykhailo Fedorov signed a memorandum with representatives of the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum and Postal Services (NCEC), Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and Datagroup. The purpose of the memorandum is to join efforts to restore and develop electronic communications in Ukraine.
The parties will develop solutions for:
- expanding mobile coverage and broadband mobile Internet to the population;
- restoration of the electronic communications infrastructure destroyed as a result of hostilities;
- ensuring the functioning of electronic communications during wartime and after its termination.
The strategy will be monitored and evaluated by the Ministry, NCEC, other central executive authorities, civil society institutions and international organizations.
The e-Communication Development Strategy was created at the initiative of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine with the support of the USAID/UK aid project Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services (TAPAS) in cooperation with the Better Regulation Delivery Office.
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