The Strategy for the Development of the Electronic Communications Sector in Ukraine

The Strategy for the Development of the Electronic Communications Sector of Ukraine up to 2030 outlines a comprehensive plan to ensure the sustainable development of Ukraine’s electronic communications sector. The strategy recognises the critical role of electronic communications in uniting people, businesses, and communities across Ukraine, particularly in the context of global technological trends and the specific challenges facing Ukraine, including ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need to meet international obligations.

The primary objectives of the strategy include:

1. Ensuring the provision of electronic communication services across all regions of Ukraine at an affordable price.
2. Promoting connectivity and access to high-capacity networks.
3. Encouraging competition and efficient investment within the sector.
4. Safeguarding the interests of Ukrainian citizens.

These objectives are framed within the broader context of technological advancements that are reshaping the communication landscape, and the strategy emphasises the importance of protecting users, fostering innovation, and maintaining a healthy competitive environment. Furthermore, the strategy highlights the importance of regulatory frameworks that support innovation, trust, and stability, particularly in light of the ongoing military aggression from the Russian Federation, which poses significant challenges to the sector’s development.

Strategic Goals

1. Sustainable Development of the Electronic Communications Sector

The strategy aims to promote the sustainable development of Ukraine’s electronic communications sector by adapting to global trends and the unique conditions of Ukraine. This includes addressing the challenges posed by the military aggression of the Russian Federation, which has led to the destruction of communication infrastructure, increased cyberattacks, and a significant decrease in demand for services in frontline regions due to population migration.

2. Enhancing Connectivity and Accessibility

A key focus of the strategy is to ensure that electronic communication services are available throughout Ukraine at an affordable cost. This includes the promotion of high-capacity networks and the facilitation of universal access to electronic communication services, particularly in underserved areas. The strategy also addresses the challenges of providing services in hard-to-reach regions and the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

3. Promoting Competition and Investment

The strategy outlines the importance of fostering competition within the electronic communications sector to drive innovation and investment. This involves removing barriers to entry, encouraging the deployment of new technologies, and ensuring a level playing field for all market participants. The strategy also emphasises the need for effective regulation to support competition and protect consumer rights.

4. Protecting User Interests and Rights

The protection of user rights is a central theme of the strategy, particularly in the context of the rapid evolution of digital technologies. The strategy calls for proactive measures to safeguard users from potential harm, including the enforcement of fair and transparent practices, and the provision of clear and accessible information to users. Additionally, the strategy highlights the importance of protecting the rights of vulnerable social groups and ensuring that they have access to essential services.

Implementation Measures

1. Regulatory Framework and Policy Development

The strategy emphasises the need for a robust regulatory framework that supports the sustainable development of the electronic communications sector. This includes the development of over a hundred sub-legislative acts necessary for the full implementation of the Law of Ukraine ‘On Electronic Communications’ and the alignment with the European Union’s regulatory framework. The strategy also calls for the immediate development and adoption of legislation to address issues such as access to physical infrastructure, the protection of user rights, and the regulation of service providers with significant market power.

2. Integration with the European Union

The strategy outlines Ukraine’s commitment to integrating with the European Union’s digital market, including the implementation of relevant EU directives and regulations. This includes the adoption of the European Electronic Communications Code, measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks, and ensuring the independence and administrative capacity of the regulatory body for electronic communications and the radio frequency spectrum.

3. Addressing the Impact of Military Aggression

The strategy recognises the significant impact of the military aggression by the Russian Federation on Ukraine’s electronic communications sector. It outlines measures to restore and rebuild damaged infrastructure, enhance the resilience of communication networks, and address the challenges posed by power outages and the loss of access to affordable communication equipment due to geopolitical factors. The strategy also calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect communication networks from cyberattacks.

4. Promoting Environmental Sustainability

The strategy aligns with the European Green Deal and emphasises the role of the electronic communications sector in supporting the decarbonization of the economy. This includes the promotion of energy-efficient technologies, the deployment of high-capacity networks that support smart infrastructure, and the adoption of green practices within the sector.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Restoration of Infrastructure

The strategy highlights the challenges of restoring communication infrastructure damaged by military aggression. It calls for targeted investments to rebuild networks, particularly in areas affected by conflict, and to ensure the resilience of these networks in the face of ongoing threats.

2. Addressing the Digital Divide

One of the key challenges identified in the strategy is the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The strategy proposes measures to increase access to high-speed internet in underserved regions and to ensure that all citizens have access to essential communication services.

3. Encouraging Investment and Innovation

The strategy recognises that investment in new technologies and infrastructure is essential for the continued development of the electronic communications sector. It calls for policies that encourage investment, reduce the cost of deploying new networks, and promote innovation within the sector.