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Warzone

Ukraine is categorized as a "war zone". Due to and acts of war we can't give information about the phone systems like in many other countries. Very few visitors travel there and some of the reports can't be verified. To give you a basic picture about this situation, this article has been compiled.

Basics[]

The Ukrainian mobile phone networks have greatly improved within the last years. As one of the last countries to start 3G/UMTS and 4G/LTE in Europe as late as 2015 and 2018 respectively, it now gives a reasonable coverage in populated areas at affordable prices.

There are 3 major national operators with 2G/3G and 4G/LTE coverage:

  • Kyivstar (Russian-owned by (the Netherlands-based) (VEON)
  • Vodafone (now Azerbaijan-owned by Bakcell)
  • lifecell (Turkish-owned by Turkcell)

Another 4th operator is

  • 3mob (own 3G/UMTS only in Kyiv) with national roaming on Vodafone

In 2020 3Mob is on its way to becoming an MVNO as it has shut down all its network bases except Kyiv and now relies mainly on 2G/GSM and 3G/UMTS network coverage via its existing domestic roaming partner Vodafone. Lycamobile started operating in Ukraine using the 3mob network since the summer of 2017.

Some other providers like Intertelecom and PEOPLEnet both used to run CDMA based networks that are not compatible with GSM devices. They heavily marketed "3G", but this is based on EVDO. For the moment, you'll need to buy a new CDMA device and activate it on their network. CDMA is now in the process of being shut down soon. In 2021 Intertelecom ceased providing CDMA mobile internet access (and fixed broadband access) in 13 regions. This means that Intertelecom will operate CDMA services (data and voice) in the Odesa region only. In other regions, the company will continue offering a VoIP-based SIP telephony service.

Coverage[]

The three major operators Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell provide good coverage in cities and some rural areas and would typically be your choice.

Starting in March 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of and war against Ukraine in which the Russian military has disabled and destroyed telecoms infrastructure, Ukraine's three main networks (+ 3mob) have launched national roaming between each other.

During the war since Marc 2022 is national roaming available (except CDMA-providers) with restrictions by the speed of data services.

Initially this started in the regions occupied by the Russian military, but has since expanded nationwide. National roaming is not always automatic, though, so a manual network search is needed if one's home network's service is not functional. Take care that national roaming for data is limited to 512 kbit/s.

Both 3G/UMTS and 4G/LTE started very late in the country. 3G/UMTS from its launch in 2007 was limited to 3mob exclusively in a few urban areas, as more bandwidth was unavailable until it was freed up for the three major operators nationwide in 2015. It now covers more than 80% of the population.

4G/LTE started as late as 2018 with the three major operators on 1800 MHz (B3) and 2600 MHz (B7). In 2020 the spectrum on the 900 MHz band (B8) was added. The LTE rollouts on 900 MHz are heavily focused on reaching rural areas and smaller towns which were problematic and expensive to cover with the cellcos’ existing 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz 4G spectrum, and the deployment program is partly supported by a recent infrastructure sharing pact between Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and lifecell. Kyivstar’s total LTE (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz) network now reaches 85% of Ukraine’s population. Vodafone Ukraine has now covered more than 4,600 settlements via LTE-900 alone (with 800 active LTE-900 base stations to date) while its total multi-band LTE footprint reaches over 80%. Both operators, alongside lifecell, are targeting at least 90% LTE coverage by end-June 2022 in line with licensing conditions.

Their current coverage of all 4 operators can be compared on this online map.

Restrictions[]

Due to the conflict with Russia in the Eastern region of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has blocked some popular Russian-owned internet services like VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Yandex and Mail.ru. This block can be bypassed by installing VPN on your device.

Crimea[]

Since 2014 the region of Crimea is under Russian administration. All Ukraine based mobile providers left the peninsula in 2015 and stopped operating there. This territory is now covered in a separate article.

Donbas (parts of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts/regions)[]

Due to the ongoing military conflict in Donbas since 2014 in the eastern part of Ukraine (namely in the parts of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts/regions), the national Ukrainian operators have not yet been able to deploy any new equipment there. The installations of Kyivstar, lifecell and 3mob were seized. They stopped operating in parts of these oblasts (regions), as well as CDMA-based operators Intertelekom and Peoplenet, while Vodafone (formerly MTS Ukraine) still operates in some areas there. Two new operators: Phoenix in part of Donetsk oblast (region) and Lugacom in part of Luhansk oblast (region) were created based on the seized equipment and are shown at the bottom of this article. They have combined their networks, but are sold and marketed separately and have slightly different pricing.

EU roaming[]

No roaming
Be aware that Ukraine is not part of the EU, nor the EEA, where from June 2017 new international roaming rules are enforced. So roaming rates on European SIM cards are not capped or regulated in the country and can be much higher. Some providers (like Orange in Poland) voluntarily treat the Ukraine as an EU territory, some offers discounted rates/packages, so better check your EU/EEA provider first, before use or buy a local SIM card instead.

Ukrainian providers implements Roam like at home due to special agreements with European networks (including Moldova, Switzerland and UK), allowing them to give free roaming data. Be aware that Liechtenstein and Iceland are not included in free roaming destinations.

Kyivstar (Київстар)[]

Kyivstar

Kyivstar is Ukraine’s largest mobile operator by subscribers and owned by Russian VEON, formely called Vimpelcom. It has currently the best coverage in the country at the highest rates. To check coverage, check here.

3G on 2100 MHz has been available from 2015 and covers more than 80% of the population in 2019.

Kyivstar started its 4G/LTE as late as 2018 on 2600 MHz (B7), 1800 MHz (B3) to be added by 900 MHz (B8) in 2020. In early 2020 it covers more than 70% of population and at the end of 2021 already 85% of population.

Availability[]

Their SIM card is available at airports and lots of shops and their service centers (locator). It costs UAH 25-100 or less depending on shop.

Top-up vouchers are available in many more places, starting from UAH 50. To top-up type *123*<Voucher PIN>#. Kyivstar is known to decline most international Visa and Mastercard cards to top-up on their website, but Google Pay is now also accepted.

Check balance by *111#. The account remains active for 365 days after last top-up or any activity like making a call, surfing or sending a text message. To check expiry date, use *114#.

In 2019, Kyivstar has abolished all service plans with no periodic charge. Therefore, you have to pay a periodic charge for domestic usage, even if you are a non-resident and maintain your SIM card for Kyivstar's cheap roaming or for visits to Ukraine. If you do not have sufficient balance to pay the periodic charge, then they charge you UAH 5.00 per day until your balance reaches zero.

eSIM[]

Kyivstar offers all prepaid plans as eSIM for compatible devices, which are sold online through their website.

Data feature packages[]

There is no data without a plan. The prices for these packages are displayed for the Kyiv city. These base packages are offered for 28 days:

Plan Data Voice Price EU cap Superpower* Choice
LOVE UA Світло (Light) 15 GB 150 min UAH 175 5 GB Kyivstar TV, 5 GB in UA, 100 minutes to other

networks and abroad, extra SIM card, 2 GB for roaming, unlimited video apps

LOVE UA Пісня (Song) 25 GB 250 min UAH 230
LOVE UA Сила (Power) 50 GB 300 min UAH 330 10 GB
СуперГіг (SuperGig) unlimited (300 GB*) n/a UAH 300 n/a

(*) - 300 GB at full speed, then speed is reduced to 0.8 mb/s

All plans offer the choice of a single Superpower that you can activate free of charge. The benefits of the selected Superpower will be added on to your plan. All plans offer unlimited minutes to Kyivstar and a number of minutes to other mobiles and abroad.

All plans come with unlimited on-net calls and many zero-rated services, such as the typical social media platforms, messengers, video hubs, and the Ukrainian government apps DiiaHelsi me and Ministry of Health of Ukraine (but not when accessed via Internet browser). Check data balance by *252#. Overuse rate is 100 MB at UAH 10 which is activated up to 10 times a day.

For more data, you can activate one of these packages:

Data Time Price Auto-renew Activation
1000 MB 1 day* UAH 15 no *263*1#
4000 MB UAH 30 *273*1#
10000 MB of night data (11pm to 7am) 1 month UAH 30 yes *266*1#
5 GB 4 weeks UAH 50 *405*5#

(*) - till 23:59:59 the day of connection

For СуперГіг (SuperGig) plan, there are offered special packages to restore full speed:

  • 1000 MB for day - 10 UAH, activation: *289*1#
  • 300 GB - 100 UAH, activation: *289*30#

EU roaming

All-in-one packages includes "Roam like at hime" up to specific cap. When overuse, you'll be charged by 50 UAH per 100 MB package. You can add special roaming package (only when your package includes RLAH):

  • 1 GB - 50 UAH, activation: *121*1#
  • 2 GB - 75 UAH, activation: *121*2#
  • 5 GB - 200 UAH, activation: *121*5#
  • 10 GB - 350 UAH, activation: *121*10#

All packages are valid 4 weeks and don't auto-renew.

More information[]

  • APN for prepaid: internet
  • Check APN before use! Some phones may set default APN to 'xl.kyivstar.net'. This is an old APN, and it charges in high rates (UAH 7 per day plus UAH 0.03 per MB).

Vodafone (formerly: MTS Ukraine)[]

Russian-owned MTS Ukraine took over the brand of Vodafone and started with an own 3G coverage in 2015. In 2020 already more than 71% of the population are covered by their own 3G/4G (coverage map). 3G is on 2100 MHz, 4G/LTE is on 900 MHz (B8), 1800 MHz (B3) and 2600 MHz (B7).

Vodafone-0

In 2015 MTS signed a strategic partnership with Vodafone to use their label for some products. This was mainly to conceal the Russian origin of the ownership, which is unpopular in Western parts of Ukraine. MTS was re-branded into Vodafone in major parts of Ukraine at the end of 2015. In 2017 the official company name was changed to Vodafone Ukraine. In 2019 Azerbaijani mobile operator Bakcell which is part of Azerbaijan-based oil-construction-telecom-tech conglomerate Neqsol, which also owns Azertelecom bought Vodafone Ukraine from Russia’s MTS.

In 2018 all special tariffs still marketed under the MTS Ukraine brand in the Eastern Regions "not controlled by the Ukrainian army" were shifted to the Vodafone brand as well.

Availability[]

Vodafone SIM cards are available at airports and lots of shops (locator) and their service centers. Refills are available in many more places. Vodafone SIM cards are mainly sold in the Western, MTS in the Eastern part of the country.

In Odesa, Vodafone agents sell SIM card packs outside the main train station. They will also do top-ups and activate SIM cards on the spot and help you set them up, as activation can require calling a Russian or Ukrainian-speaking phone number or following the instructions on Russian or Ukrainian language text messages. As long as they are wearing their uniforms, they are legitimate and will help you.

Voice and Data plans[]

There is no data without a plan. Overuse data is charged at UAH 7 for every 200 MB (max. 20 packages per day at full speed then throttled beyond to 32 kbit/s).

They sell these plans associated with starter packs. The only prepaid tariff are their Joice plans valid for 28 days:

Plan Price Data Voice
Start UAH 180 15 GB 800 mins
Pro UAH 230 25 GB 1200 mins
Max UAH 300 40 GB 1600 mins

All plans are for 28 days. All packages include unlimited data in 38 apps (social, music and video services).

If overused, you'll be charged at 200 MB per UAH 10 (max. 20 packages per day at full speed then throttled beyond to 32 kbit/s).

To activate one of these plans, enter *101*444#, to check status or consumption, enter *101*4#.

Data-only plans[]

For some time now they also market data-only plans for devices like watches, tablets or modems but can also be used in smartphones

  • Device S: 500 MB, 100 SMS, 50 in-network mins - UAH 50 /month, overuse: 50 MB / UAH 1, activation : *500*7#
  • Device M: 10 GB, Video Pass - UAH 100 /month, overuse: 1 GB / UAH 10
  • Device L: 18 GB - UAH 160 /month, overuse: 1 GB / UAH 10, activation: *505*5#

For activation, you need to buy the respective Device Starter Pack, which already includes monthly tariff cost, and activate it by calling 111 or by starting an online session. Status can be checked online or by app.

Max 20 packages per day can be activated. Speed will throttle beyond to 32 kbit/s for Device S or 150 kbit/s for others.

EU roaming

When you have enabled one of the Joice plans or Device L on data-only SIM, you'll get 10 GB in roaming (it also includes Azerbaijan). When overuse (or when you don't have eligible package), your speed will be throttled to 4 kb/s. You can add one of the package valid 30 days:

  • 1 GB for 50 UAH, activation: *600*55#
  • 3 GB for 120 UAH, activation: *600*56#
  • 5 GB for 150 UAH, activation: *600*10#, deactivation: *600*100#

More information[]

lifecell (formerly known as life:)[]

Lifecell

lifecell was called life:) until 2016. It's the third-largest Ukrainian mobile phone operator and fully owned by Turkish Turkcell.

3G started in 2015 on 2100 MHz and 4G from 2018 on 1800 MHz (B3) and 2600 MHz (B7). In 2020 B8 on 900 MHZ was added. Its network is generally on par with the other major providers, with an LTE coverage of about 60% at the end of 2019, see map.

Availability[]

Their SIM cards are available to be bought at airports and many shops across the country (map available). For activation, call 111 for free.

Refills are available in many more places. In contrast to other providers, Lifecell also accepts some more foreign credit cards for online top-ups. To check balance, type *111# or *121#.

eSIM[]

lifecell allows you to purchase eSIM online that you may add to a compatible phone, even before visiting Ukraine. No need to visit the Lifecell store for that. They send eSIM already activated, after installing it, you only need to choose the tariff plan. The term of the selection of the tariff plan - 180 days. Tariffs list.

There are 2 eSIM options:

  1. The cheapest costs UAH 25, but you need to spend additional money to top up your account and then select a suitable tariff.
  2. The second option costs UAH 150. For this money you get eSIM plus 150 bonuses on account to pay for the services and a welcome bonus - an additional 50 GB of Internet and 50 minutes for calls to all numbers within Ukraine for the first 7 days of using the eSIM bonus (will be activated after choosing a tariff plan). Also, buying this eSIM, you can choose the number you like from a huge selection of special numbers, and immediately after payment receive eSIM with the desired number.

Voice & data plans[]

Starter packs are sold for UAH 25-150б with the first month included. lifecell has a number of somewhat overlapping plans valid for 28 days. At the moment they offer starters with tariffs preactivated or universal starters without allowances and pre-configured plans at UAH 25. All others can be changed from there:

Package Data EU cap Voice Unlimited apps Price Activation Overuse Plus benefits
School Life 7 GB * Facebook, FB Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, BiP, Signal, Skype, Telegram, Viber, Diia UAH 150 *323# UAH 10 per 500 MB, unlimited 2.5G if UAH 30 is paid during the day
Simple Life 8 GB 300 mins Diia UAH 160 *565#
Smart Life 25 GB 750 mins Facebook, FB Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Diia UAH 225 *575# + 5 GB, + 500 mins (+ UAH 30 )
Free Life 50 GB 30 GB 1600 min Facebook, FB Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, BiP, Signal, Skype, Telegram, Viber, Diia UAH 325 *585# Speed throttled to 1 Mbit/s + 50 GB, + 500 mins (+ UAH 50 )
Platinum Life 150 GB 40 GB 3000 min UAH 450 *595# + 150 GB + 2000 mins (+ UAH 100 )

(*) Unlimited calls to lifecell numbers + 2 numbers of choice

In every plan + 1 GB for every 30 min of outgoing minutes via BiP app with BiP Out option. Most plans can be restarted ahead of time by *700# for the same price minus UAH 10. Packages with Plus benefits can be activated by website or by app (don't increase EU cap, except Smart Life).

Data-only SIM card (Gadget plan)[]

Plan Data EU cap Extras Price Activation
Security 150 MB/day n/a 15 min/day, 15 SMS/day UAH 90 *510*1#
Smart 500 MB/day 30 min/day, 30 SMS/day UAH 150 *510*1#
Tablet 50 GB 30 GB unlimited social and e-learning apps UAH 275 *510*2#
Router unlimited (100 GB)* 40 GB UAH 375 *510*3#

Overuse: 500 MB at UAH 10 up to UAH 30, after unlimited 2.5G per day.

(*) - 100 GB at speed, then speed throtted to 1 Mb/s.

Data feature packages[]

These packs can be activated for additional data on any plan:

Data Time Price Activation
1 GB 24 hours UAH 30 *310#
7 days UAH 40 *301#
2 GB 28 days UAH 50 *311#
4 GB UAH 75 *312#
10 GB UAH 125 *314#
100 GB UAH 250 *318#
15 GB night* 30 days UAH 50 *123*1#
2.5G unlimited UAH 40 *211#
15 GB night + 2G unlimited UAH 80 *123*3#

To check remaining balance, dial *111# or *121#. All packages auto-renew. To stop, dial *112#.

Roaming[]

All monthly packages include free roaming in EU countries and Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Serbia, Switzerland and UK up to specific limit. You can check your remaining data by calling *108*5#. You can add additional data:

  • 1 GB for 3 days - 30 UAH
  • 5 GB for 7 days - 100 UAH
  • 15 GB for 14 days - 200 UAH

Activation by calling *108*2#

Lifecell released roaming offers, even beating Kyivstar's low rates in many countries. In now over 70 countries, including all over the EU, Russia as well as the USA, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, China, etc.(for list scroll down here) they offer special reduced options. 4G/LTE roaming is available in these countries so far. Have in mind that the list of countries differs between their roaming offers:

  • Default Roaming: 150 MB for the rest of the day: UAH 55. Packages are in 150 MB increments and valid for the rest of the day in Ukrainian time. You don't need to activate them, as it seems. Check remaining data in your package by *108#.
  • Roaming online: with time-based packages in about 80 countries (list). Activation is by *108#:
    • for 3 days: 300 MB - UAH 150
    • for 7 days: 500 MB - UAH 200
    • for 7 days: 1 GB - UAH 350
    • for 14 days: 2 GB - UAH 600
    • for 21 days: 3 GB - UAH 800
  • Roaming Puzzle: with customizable packages ordered online or through the app for about 35 countries with voice, SMS and data:
3 days 8 days 11 days 15 days 30 days
100 MB UAH 45 UAH 75 UAH 85 UAH 90 UAH 100
200 MB UAH 80 UAH 100 UAH 115 UAH 130 UAH 150
300 MB UAH 90 UAH 150 UAH 165 UAH 180 200 UAh
500 MB UAH 150 UAH 175 UAH 200 UAH 250 UAH 300
1 GB UAH 295 UAH 310 UAH 315 UAH 320 UAH 400
2 GB UAH 580 UAH 585 UAH 590 UAH 595 UAH 600

For voice and SMS rates, check here.

Furthermore, 100 MB for their BiP app (see below) in roaming for 30 days is given without extra charge in about 70 countries. You can make about 250 mins of calls with this data volume.

BiP messenger[]

Lifecell has an own messenger called BiP that can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple app store. It enables to make VoIP calls via BiP, calls to all mobile numbers in Ukraine and exchange documents, photo, video, audio, and text messages. All incoming calls are free from other BiP users, and outgoing calls to BiP users only consume data.

In international roaming, calls are at the price of regular calls in Ukraine. This applies to all mobile and landline numbers of all Ukrainian operators and all mobile and landline numbers of the visited country and other countries operators.

More information[]

  • APN: internet

3Mob (formely: U'tel, Ukrtelecom)[]

3mob logo

3Mob (spelled as "TriMob") used to be the only provider of 3G/UMTS internet in a very limited area of the country from 2007 until 2014. In 2015 3Mob and Vodafone signed a national roaming agreement giving 3Mob users free access to Vodafone's 2G and later 3G network in domestic roaming without surcharges.

In 2020 3Mob has shut down all its own network base stations except those in Kyiv and will now rely mainly on 2G/3G network coverage via its existing domestic roaming partner Vodafone Ukraine. 3Mob’s mobile network has fallen to less than 150,000, and whilst the group had held 2×15 MHz of 2100 MHz national spectrum since 2005, the annual fees required to retain the frequencies represented an extra financial burden on the struggling operator.

The 3G speed of 3Mob is up to 7.2 Mbps in their rather limited coverage area: dark green: 3mob - 3G, bright green Vodafone Ukraine 3G.

Availability[]

A starter pack of their Green plan costs UAH 35 in their stores and partner agencies: Store locator in Ukrainian. A special plan is sold with an eSIM card, see below.

You can top up your SIM card on the main page of their website using a credit card.

Data options[]

They offer various monthly packages with free roaming on Vodafone's 2G outside its own 3G coverage:

Their default plan is called Green Plan: You need to buy a new starter, or you can switch all other plans by sending an SMS to 2209. For the Green plan, they sell these data-only packages:

  • 2 GB for 30 days + unlimited on-net calls: UAH 30, activation: A
  • 10 GB for 30 days + unlimited on-net calls: UAH 70, activation: B
  • 5 GB for 30 days + 300 domestic mins + unlimited on-net calls: UAH 75, activation: R

Overuse is charged with UAH 0.30 per MB. For activation text code, letter to 2209. Packages can be booked multiple times. Check data balance by *121#.

These other plans and options are offered:

  • Annual Plan: for UAH 365 per year giving you 2.5 GB per month for a year. Change to this plan by texting '7' to 2203.
  • Internet Unlim: real unlimited 3G data for UAH 382.50 per 30 days period, plus 1000 mins and SMS and unlimited on-net calls
  • eSIM card: if available in stores this is their only plan with 7.5 GB, 100 mins and 100 SMS for UAH 80

More information[]

Lyca Mobile Ukraine[]

Lycamobile new

new logo

In 2017 Lyca Mobile (formerly: Lycamobile) from the UK started as first MVNO in the country. It operates on the 3G-only network of 3mob with very limited coverage in major cities so far and 2G and 3G roaming on Vodafone UA elsewhere (see 3 Mob map above), but not 4G/LTE so far.

Availability[]

Lycamobile

old logo

Their SIM card in all three sizes is available for free either online sent to a Ukrainian postal address or at their sales points. You need to top up starting from UAH 100. This can also be done online by credit card after having registered your SIM. Check balance by *111#.

Normally, they will keep your number for 120 days, if you do not use their service. However, you may also keep your Lyca Mobile number for up to 1 year without using by dialing *139*9999# from your Lycamobile and follow the instructions on the screen. This extension is at a fixed annual fee of UAH 100, which will be deducted from your balance.

Data options[]

Default data rate without a package is UAH 0.20 per MB.

They offer these packages valid for 30 days:

  • 1 GB data: UAH 20, activation: *139*1001#
  • 3 GB data: UAH 50, activation: *139*1002#
  • 4 GB data, 200 mins, 30 SMS: UAH 30, activation: *139*1051#
  • 8 GB data, 650 dom. mins, 30 interntl. mins, 50 SMS: UAH 50, activation: *139*1052#
  • 12 GB data, 800 dom. mins, 40 interntl. mins, 100 SMS: UAH 80, activation: *139*1055#

Allowances can only be used in Ukraine. Combo mins and SMS are to all domestic networks, Lyca Mobile on-net is unlimited. Auto-renewal is not quite clear, in personal area I can see button 'Cancel auto-renewal' so I guess by default all packages renew automatically if not cancelled.

EU roaming[]

Lyca Mobile offers these bundles for EU roaming (all valid 30 days):

  • EU Data Pass S: 1 GB, UAH 150 : activation: *139*1021#
  • EU Data Pass M: 2 GB, UAH 200 : activation: *139*1022#
  • EU Data Pass L: 4 GB, UAH 380, activation: *139*1024#
  • EU Pass Mini: 30 local mins, 30 local SMS, 250 MB in Ukraine & EU, 50 mins to EU, UAH 100, activation: *139*2100#

More information[]

Phoenix new

new logo

Phoenix (in the Donetsk region only)[]

Phoenix (in Russian: феникс) is an operator created in 2015 using seized Kyivstar equipment in the part of Donetsk oblast (region) that is not controlled by the Ukrainian government.

It used to be in 2G-only on 900 and 1800 MHz, but have started in 2017 with 3G and 4G LTE on 800 MHz (B20) and 1800 MHz (B3) in the towns of Donetsk, Makiivka and Horlivka. For coverage, check this map.

You can call to Russia and abroad, but not to Ukraine and restricted roaming on their SIM cards. Vodafone may work in some parts of the region too.

Availability[]

Phoenix

old logo

The SIM card is sold in post offices and their offices. Full list of points of sale: list (in Russian-only). You need a valid passport to purchase a SIM and only 5 SIMs per person are allowed. The price is RUB 120 without any credit.

Refills of RUB 150-300 are available there as well, and are also available at supermarkets and other shops (list). Due to the unrecognized status of the region, there is no way to refill using an international credit card. Check balance by *101#.

Plans[]

These monthly plans are available:

  • People (НАРОДНЫЙ): RUB 100 - includes unlimited on-network calls to Phoenix and Lugacom and 300 in-network SMS, but no data.
  • People's internet ("НАРОДНЫЙ ИНТЕРНЕТ"): RUB 120 - includes 1 GB, 100 minutes per day on-network calls and 100 on-network SMS
  • Convenient (УДОБНЫЙ): RUB 150 - includes 5 GB, free calls and 300 SMS to Phoenix and Lugacom numbers
  • Online ("ОНЛАЙН"): RUB 230 - includes 25 GB data
  • Comfortable ("КОМФОРТНЫЙ): RUB 230 - includes 10 GB and free calls and 800 SMS to Phonenix and Lugacom
  • Without Borders ("БЕЗ ГРАНИЦ"): RUB 300 - includes 2 GB, free calls and 300 SMS to Phoenix and Lugacom, 60 mins to Russian networks

To check the status of your account, dial *101#.

Data feature packs[]

For more data, you need to get one of these packs valid for 30 days:

  • 1 GB: RUB 50, activation: *109*2*1#
  • 5 GB: RUB 100, activation: *109*2*5#
  • 50 GB: RUB 500, activation: *109*2*50#

To check data balance, type *109*2#.

They also offer two daily packages called "day of freedom" (ДЕНЬ СВОБОДЫ) with 500 MB for 24 hours at RUB 15, activation: *109*2*24#. And for nighttime 10pm-8am of one night for 2 GB at RUB 15 by *109*2*22# called "night of freedom" (НОЧЬ СВОБОДЫ).

More information[]

Lugacom (in the Luhansk region only)[]

Luga

Lugacom (in Russian: Лугаком) is a new operator started in 2016 using seized Kyivstar equipment in the part of Luhansk oblast (region) that is not controlled by the Ukrainian government. It's operating in 2G, 3G and since 2021 on 4G/LTE.

Note that the mobile network situation in the Luhansk region is not as good as in the Donetsk area. In some areas, only Vodafone works for data and Intertelecom on CDMA standard.

Availability[]

The SIM card is sold in post offices and service offices. Full list of points of sale: (list in Russian only). You need a passport to purchase a SIM and only 3 SIMs per person are allowed. The price is RUB 120 without any credit. Refills are also available there or from independent shops.

They have an online refill option, but now it accepts only WebMoney payment system. As it is still testing and due to the unrecognized status of the region, this refill option is not recommended.

Plans[]

Different plans are available:

  • People (Народный): for RUB 50 per month, data at RUB 0.70 per MB or the daily package below
  • Optimal (Оптимальный) for RUB 96 per month with 1 GB data, overuse RUB 0.10 per MB or a package below
  • Optimal+ (Оптимальный+) for RUB 200 per month with 5 GB data, overuse RUB 0.10 per MB or a package below
  • All Inclusive (Все включено) for RUB 500 with 15 GB data, overuse: 236 kbit/s

Data feature packs[]

  • for the People plan:
    • unlimited internet per day: RUB 3 per day, activation: *110*3#
  • for the Optimal, Optimal+ and All Inclusive plans:
    • 1 GB per day: RUB 25 per day, activation: *110*15#
    • 1 GB per month: RUB 50, activation: *110*16#
    • 5 GB per month: RUB 100, activation: *110*17#

To check remaining traffic, dial *150*1#.

More information[]

  • Website: http://lugacom.su (Russian-only)
  • Calls to other parts of Ukraine and world are flapping or don't work at all
  • APN: luga.com
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