Long-term power outages directly affect the work of telecom networks, as mobile and fixed communication equipment needs a stable power supply. The national operator “Kyivstar” uses all technical capabilities to maximally meet the needs of subscribers even during blackouts.
This was reported by the press service of “Kyivstar” PrJSC. It is noted that since 2022, the company has invested more than UAH 1 billion to make the network more energy-independent.
As of June 2024, 113,000 new batteries have been installed at base stations, which ensure the operation of base stations until 4 hours without external power. 2.3 thousand base stations are equipped with generators, which is four times more than in 2022. 50,000 uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have been installed in 23,000 apartment buildings to support the “Home Internet” service.
However, any battery needs time to recharge, namely 4 to 6 hours depending on the number of batteries installed for maximum charge. 8 hours of uninterrupted operation are required to charge the UPS.
Unfortunately, power outages are currently unpredictable, both in terms of the number of outages during the day and their duration. Therefore, batteries do not have time to charge, and with such shutdown schedules, telecom operators and fixed Internet providers cannot always ensure uninterrupted network operation, despite all efforts.
Despite the criticality of the situation, Kyivstar continues to work to protect the network. In particular, all critical objects identified by the National Security and Defense National Committee are connected to power from generators. The company has already used more than 1.3 million liters of diesel fuel and 0.5 million liters of gasoline to keep the generators running during the full-scale invasion. Kyivstar continues preparations for the winter of 2024–2025, makes additional purchases of batteries and increases the fleet of generators. In particular, it involves generators provided by corporate customers. Also, “Home Internet” specialists initiated the replacement of 5,000 batteries in those UPSs that were installed in the first wave, and are additionally testing new types of batteries, such as LiFe, which charge faster, hold a charge longer and are designed for 5,000 recharge cycles. Already in the fall, they will be installed on the network.
The technicians responsible for maintaining the network start work at 5:00 a.m. and do their best to keep the equipment running 24 hours a day, traveling with mobile generators throughout the day to sites to keep the network running. And the “Home Internet” network is serviced daily by another 400 specialists.
However, even despite all the dedication of Kyivstar employees, it is technically impossible to connect all telecom network objects without exception to autonomous generation. Therefore, in cases where power outages are large-scale and long-lasting, the company is forced to set priorities in providing power to base stations.
We hope for the understanding of Ukrainians and a balanced attitude of citizens towards the use of communication services in cases of blackouts. It is important that users refrain from using heavy content (watching videos, making video calls) over the mobile Internet during blackouts, then the batteries in the base stations will be able to work longer. If there is no electricity in the settlement, it is better to communicate using phone calls, SMS and text messages in instant messengers.
We will also remind you about the “National Roaming” service. If the mobile network signal of his operator disappears, the subscriber can try to use the network of another operator without additional fees and changing the number. To do this, you need to select automatic network selection in the mobile phone settings, and if the smartphone is not registered in the networks of other operators, then manually select another available mobile network.