The LLC “Zviazkovyi” is a Boryspil-based Internet provider that provides services to households and businesses in the Kyiv region. The company employs 19 people, including certified specialists in optical network construction and network administration.
Before applying for the grant, the company’s team held an internal discussion. The main goal was to create a project that would not only be of public benefit but would also help improve the reliability of communication for people and businesses in the de-occupied territories. At a time when the energy infrastructure was constantly being destroyed and mobile operators stopped providing internet after a power outage, the question became especially acute: how could people continue to work, study and exchange information?
The team of LLC “Zviazkovyi” decided that the company’s project should be aimed at building an optical fibre network in one of the de-occupied settlements in Kyiv region, where it already provides services. They chose the village of Baryshivka in Brovary district of Kyiv region with a population of over 10,000 people.
Before receiving the grant, the LLC “Zviazkovyi” temporarily suspended network expansion and connection of new homes. The main financial resources had to be spent on purchasing batteries, generators and fuel to ensure uninterrupted service for existing subscribers. The company also postponed spending on staff training and professional development. Marketing and advertising activities had to be significantly reduced.
By participating in and winning a grant competition under the ReACT4UA programme funded by the German government and implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the LLC “Zviazkovyi” was able to expand its coverage as high-speed internet services based on fibre-optic technology became available to residents of 19 apartment buildings in the village of Baryshivka, which was de-occupied in March 2022.
In addition, the company managed to ensure the network’s resilience during power outages. After the implementation of the project, the network’s battery life increased to 72 hours, which is critical in a time of war. When mobile communications become unstable due to power outages, the fixed internet remains the only reliable means of receiving information.
The project also gave impetus to the company’s development despite the economic instability caused by the war. Employees were trained and upgraded their skills, enabling the company to be competitive, participate in more complex projects, and attract new customers.
“As the CEO of company, it is very important to me that the ReACT4UA program emphasizes the support of female managers and entrepreneurs in the field of Internet services providers. This field has traditionally been considered “male”, and thanks to such support programs, the role of women in the industry is better highlighted and new opportunities are created for their participation in business”, says Iryna Kabala, CEO of LLC “Zviazkovyi”.
Reference information
Non-reversible financial support (grants) to Ukrainian telecommunication operators in de-occupied territories is provided within the international cooperation project ReACT4UA (“Utilization and Implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine in the field of trade”), financed by the German Government and implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”. The grants were made possible by ad-hoc funding from the German Government. The programme aims to support Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery and growth, create better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as support innovation and exports.
The strategic implementer of the programme is the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”. The implementing partner is Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO). The support is given by: The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
The contents are the sole responsibility of BRDO and do not necessary reflect the views of the European Union and the German Government.
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