Andriy Sadovyi: 3G and 4G technology is a high-speed vehicle while Ukraine is driving a horse-drawn cart

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Kyiv, 24 June 2014 – Implementation of 3G and 4G technologies means stronger information security, multi-billion investment projects and thousands of new jobs in Ukraine. Legislative framework for the implementation of broadband Internet should be adopted at the governmental level. “Ukraine is one of the few countries in Europe and Asia that still don’t have broadband 3G Internet, not to mention 4G. Today, it is important that the relevant resolution is passed by the Cabinet of Ministers. We have prepared a draft of the act and it is now being considered by the Cabinet. If the ministers want to do it quickly, they will have an opportunity to vote for this resolution as soon as tomorrow, and then we will have high-speed internet in Ukraine. In the past, there was no political will, and corrupt schemes were planned. Now, all this needs to be changed,” urged Andriy Sadovyi, Mayor of Lviv and leader of political party “Samopomich” (Self-Help), during a press briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center.

There are two ways to implement 3G and 4G technologies: the long way and the short way. The long way is the allocation of new frequencies. According to Andriy Logvin, general director and founder of modnakasta.ua Internet-project, deputy of the Kyiv city council and member of the Samopomich party, solving it this way will take time because the frequencies are now occupied by the military. “The short way to handle the issue is as follows: we want the government to allow any kind of technology to be used on the currently existing frequencies. This will only require a governmental resolution. The next day after this resolution is passed operators will be able to start implementing 3G and 4G technologies,” said Andriy Logvin.

It will only take about 3 months to introduce the new technology in cities with a population of over a million and 6 to 9 months to spread it across most of Ukraine’s territory. Mr. Logvin emphasized that no public investment is required, and all it takes is the political will of country’s officials.

Introduction of the new technology will increase Internet speed in the first place. “You can compare it with roads: today we have roads with only one lane each way, and yet we want to develop trade. 3G and 4G technologies will play an important role in the development of the Internet market. You cannot develop your market with only one lane, and this is why expansion is necessary,” explained Andriy Login.