Individual Entrepreneur Serhii Ostapenko has been providing internet services since 2005. Despite all the challenges, he managed to build a resilient network covering the city of Sumy and nearby villages. His customer base grew to 4,000 subscribers, most of whom were rural residents, particularly elderly people, for whom a stable connection was critically important.
With the development of technologies such as FTTH and later xPON, the enterprise’s network began to reach a new, more modern level, allowing the services to be provided even more reliably and efficiently. However, with the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the situation changed dramatically and the company faced new challenges.
Amid the fighting and occupation, Serhii made the decision in March-April 2022 to suspend service fees for all users of his network. This allowed people to stay connected for free, even when mobile operators ceased operations or access to other communication sources was limited. People who remained connected to the network could communicate with their loved ones and receive essential information during this extremely difficult time for the country.
After reinstating service charges, the company continued to operate with the primary goal of providing uninterrupted internet access to all its subscribers, even in cases of power outages, when traditional communication channels were unavailable.
Thanks to grant support within the international cooperation project ReACT4UA, financed by the German Government and implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a modernization of the network using the latest GPON technology was made possible. It not only improved the quality of internet services but also ensured stable connectivity, even under the challenging conditions of frequent power outages. Thanks to the grant support the company purchased necessary equipment, including an OLT BDCOM GP360016 switch, optical modules, and terminals for users, making it possible to implement modern technology in areas where other communication means simply did not work.
In addition to technical upgrades, the grant support enabled the creation of two new jobs for employees. The new staff underwent training in Kyiv on optical networks and xPON technologies knowledge and practice. This not only ensured a professional approach to modernization but also strengthened the company’s technical team. The grant also helped support the payment of salaries for existing employees for two months, which was crucial for maintaining the company’s workforce.
“I did not expect such support in these difficult times. Ukrainian entrepreneurs are working at the limit of their capabilities, especially those who continue to provide services in frontline areas. It is important to me that people can stay connected, find out if their relatives are safe, and avoid the terrible sense of uncertainty that so many Ukrainians face today. Support like this is crucial not only for businesses but also for achieving long-term results. They allow us to move forward and implement upgrades that would be almost impossible to achieve on our own,” Serhii shares his thoughts.
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.
#eu4business, #MovingForwardTogether, #gizSME