“Kyivstar is gradually building its optical Internet network – Dnipro is another city where GPON coverage has been launched. So far, the connection is available only to business customers: a little more than 10 locations have been connected – office and shopping malls, and industrial facilities.
The technology of passive optical networks, which we have written about a lot, anticipating new blackouts, is not new. But the massive shelling of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure by Russian drones and missiles has greatly accelerated the adoption of the technology by Ukrainian Internet providers. Among the leaders in terms of transition and implementation of xPON, speaking about the largest Internet providers, are Ukrtelecom, Vodafone Ukraine, which previously took over Frinet (O3) and Vega, and Lanet. Kyivstar is still an outsider.
Kyivstar started building its own GPON network in November 2023, a few days before the notorious cyberattack on December 12 that cost the company almost $100 million. GPON is distinguished from other optical connections by its cost-effectiveness and efficiency due to the use of passive components that do not require power. To connect a home Internet via fiber, a special ONU terminal is needed to convert the optical signal of the fiber into an electrical signal and vice versa. Until March 31, 2024, the company will provide new subscribers with ONU terminals free of charge – you can use your own if you wish. By the way, 2-in-1 solutions (Wi-Fi router + ONU) are available for sale.
Kyivstar plans to expand GPON coverage to 7 more cities by the end of March 2024 (the website mentions Vinnytsia, Lviv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytsky, and Ternopil regions). Using this technology, the company will offer such services as fixed home Internet, data transmission, and telephony at speeds of 20 Mbps, 50 Mbps, and 100 Mbps. Gradually, the range of services and terms of connection will be expanded. Those interested can apply for a connection on the official website – the company has recently updated its tariffs, and now the cost of Home Internet starts from 200 UAH/month, and the cost of the ALL Together line with Home Internet, mobile communication and Kyivstar TV starts from 330 UAH/month. We told you more about the new tariffs in a separate news story.