Agro Perspectiva

Shymkiv: State has done everything to introduce 3G connection. Now it is up to business

25.02.2015 18:14 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — The Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmytro Shymkiv is hopeful that three mobile operators, which purchased the license for the introduction of 3G mobile connection will accelerate the launch of qualitative services for people, President Petro Poroshenko Press Office says referring to the Shymkiv report made within the panel discussion «3G Mobile Internet as a Factor of Sustainable Development» held in the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center. «We must provide a fast Internet connection to the Ukrainian citizens and business and it must be done in short terms,» Shymkiv emphasized. Within the discussion he told that a group of specialists had elaborated a detailed plan on the implementation of the given task. «We have done everything, now it’s up to business,» the Presidential Administration Deputy Head said. Besides, Shymkiv noted that the tender for 3G connection licenses initiated by the President had demonstrated great influence of civil society, which had ensured transparency and fairness of the process. It is to be admitted, the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had initiated holding of this tender in July 2014. It was to be completed on October 30, but due to bureaucratic obstacles, the completion was delayed. «Against the backdrop of difficult economic situation, war and resistance from certain players, thanks to perseverance of the President and the entire team that worked on this issue, we managed to hold a tender, which will attract more than USD 300 million to the budget,» Shymkiv said . On Feb 23, the National Commission for State Regulation of Communications and Information, completed the tender for the licenses in UMTS (3G) standard. Three licenses were sold totaling over UAH8.77 milliard. The winners of the tender are three major mobile operators JSC «Kyivstar», PJSC «MTS Ukraine» and LLC «Astelit» (brand life :)). Shymkiv noted competitive conditions of the tender. «We have a competition on the market. It won’t be a single operator, which purchased the license in an unclear way and doesn’t develop it. There will be three aggressive operators that will struggle for customers and won’t wait 6 months, but accelerate the launch of their services,» he said. Commenting on the remarks that there are higher standards already, Shymkiv admitted that there were certain technological restrictions for the development of 4G connection. Moreover, it will be more expensive for both operators and customers. «It doesn’t mean that we are not considering the development of 4G. To implement it, operators must first launch 3G and receive profits; Ukraine, in its turn, must receive connection and profits. Thus, there will be a new impetus for the introduction of 4G,» he added.