The Ministry of Digital Transformation, together with its partners, has presented the Electronic Communications Development Strategy for the first time. It includes not only a vision but also concrete actions for the restoration and development of the sector.
“Electronic communications are among the top priorities for the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This realm is crucial for the comfortable life of people, the functioning of the digital state and conducting the war, directly influencing our advantage over the enemy. That is why we must do everything we can to ensure that every Ukrainian has access to connectivity and to foster the restoration of electronic communications infrastructure. In collaboration with our partners, we’ve crafted a strategy for the field’s effective development until 2030 that will address both the challenges posed by war on electronic communications and technological advancements. What’s crucial is not just our vision, but also a clearly defined action plan for its execution,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development – Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
The strategy focuses on two main directions: ensuring resilience of electronic communication networks and developing the electronic communications sector as a foundation of the economy.
“Drafting of the Strategy was foreseen by the Law on Electronic Communications, the development of which BRDO was involved in even before the start of the full-scale war. We have also developed a number of by-laws, and we will continue to work on the development of this area,“ Oleksii Dorogan, CEO of BRDO, said in his speech. “The strategy defines specific goals, as well as tasks for responsible bodies and measures to achieve them, the implementation of which will provide an opportunity to improve state policy in this area.“
The Strategy also outlines measures necessary for the sector’s restoration and development during and after wartime. These measures include in particular enhancing consumer services, improving state policies, creating conditions for providing or improving mobile accessibility as well as fixed and mobile internet services, and integrating Ukraine into a single roaming zone with the EU, etc.
“Preliminary estimates suggest that operators are poised to invest six billion dollars in the next seven years, which is really a testament to the confidence and commitment to the sector and to Ukraine’s digital future. These investments represent not just financial contributions but confidence in Ukraine’s potential, its resilience, and its vision for a brighter tomorrow. USAID is proud to support the strategy not just as a document but as a commitment to every Ukrainian that the voices will be heard, their needs will be met, and the future will be brighter because of the transformative power of electronic communications,” said Jeffrey Lehrer, Deputy Director of the USAID Mission to Ukraine.
One of the key focus areas of the strategy is the fostering of Internet Resilience and technological neutrality. Internet Resilience is increasingly crucial in light of ongoing attacks on infrastructure, as Internet failures can result in significant economic and social losses. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop mechanisms that guarantee the stability and reliability of Internet infrastructure.
“We greatly admire the people of Ukraine who adapted swiftly to the new conditions of continuous attacks and infrastructure devastation and found, through their ingenuity, short-term solutions ensuring uninterrupted communication, mobile and internet services. However, long-term solutions are also needed. This strategy outlines how the government will mobilize much-needed investment to help restore infrastructure and drive innovation. It will restore communications networks in war-affected regions, ensure high-speed internet access, expand mobile coverage, and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies in the European digital market,” said Stefan Kossoff, Development Director at the British Embassy Kyiv.
The implementation of the Electronic Communications Development Strategy includes three stages and will focus on two main areas: ensuring Internet accessibility and development the electronic communications sector as a foundation of the economy. Upon achieving all goals, it is expected:
- Constant connectivity everywhere. Every citizen will have access to reliable and high-speed electronic communication services, regardless of location or time.
- Integration of Ukraine into the EU’s Single Digital Market.
- Accessibility of public online services to all citizens, enabling the use of online education, telemedicine, and other essential public services.
- Establishment of an innovation foundation, that will help Ukraine become a center for innovation and technology in Europe. This will foster growth in the startup ecosystem and the development of digital content and e-commerce.
Currently, the Ministry of Digital Transformation officially announces the start of public discussions of the strategy, which will last for two weeks. Following their conclusion, the strategy will be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. To participate in the discussion is possible by following the link.
The monitoring and evaluation of the strategy’s implementation will be conducted by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radio Frequency Spectrum, and the Provision of Postal Services, as well as other central executive bodies, civil society institutions, and international organizations.
The Electronic Communications Development Strategy was created by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, with support from the USAID/UK aid-funded Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services (TAPAS) Activity in cooperation with the Better Regulation Delivery Office.