“In the conditions of the 4th year of a full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to actively develop. Despite the fact that Russia is destroying the infrastructure, leaving Ukrainians without heat, light and normal living conditions, the technological side of our country is improving every day. This is also observed in innovations among Ukrainian mobile operators. Soon we will have 5G on the territory of Ukraine. We already use Starlink Direct to Cell (sending SMS via”, — write on: ua.news
In the conditions of the 4th year of a full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to actively develop. Despite the fact that Russia is destroying the infrastructure, leaving Ukrainians without heat, light and normal living conditions, the technological side of our country is improving every day. This is also observed in innovations among Ukrainian mobile operators. Soon we will have 5G on the territory of Ukraine. We already use Starlink Direct to Cell (sending SMS via satellite), national roaming and Roam Like at Home (mobile communication in 27 countries of the European Union at home rates).
However, all this happens, unfortunately, not for free. Recently, operators have increasingly increased the cost of their services. As a result, the tariff, which a few years ago cost about UAH 200, today costs UAH 300-400.
Why does this happen? Is it worth giving so much money? Maybe communication is cheaper in Europe? You will find the answer to these questions in the UA.NEWS material.
When did the cost of services of Ukrainian mobile operators change?
In 2026, Ukrainian mobile operators will again adjust the cost of tariffs. Kyivstar announced a review of a number of tariffs for its plans. December 18, 2025 (some prepaid tariffs) and January 1, 2026 (some contract and business tariffs) were called the beginning of the countdown of financial changes in the company.
“This decision is due to the increase in the cost of key resources, in particular, electricity for enterprises, which increased in price by 60% during evening peak hours. Due to frequent power outages, the need for fuel for generators and logistics has also increased significantly. In November 2025, fuel consumption increased more than 7.5 times, compared to the summer period. Such costs are critical to maintain the stability of the network around the clock. We will notify you in advance of the updated terms. Subscribers will receive an SMS, and business client coordinators will receive an e-mail with details” – Kyivstar added.
Thus, for example, for Kyivstar subscribers, the new price for the ALL TOGETHER Easy prepaid tariff is UAH 370/4 weeks (before the changes – UAH 350/4 weeks).
Vodafone Ukraine also updated the prices of certain tariff plans of the FLEXX line, in particular FLEXX GO and FLEXX TOP. From January 14, 2026, the cost of the first tariff for the company’s subscribers will be UAH 420/4 weeks (before the changes – UAH 320/4 weeks). FLEXX TOP costs UAH 550/4 weeks (before changes – UAH 500/4 weeks).
The operator explained this by the need to invest in network support and development, in particular for stable operation in difficult conditions.
Lifecell last increased the cost of tariffs for customers at the beginning of 2025. However, after November 26, the company closed many tariffs. currently, such prepaid tariffs as Maxi and Mega remain relevant. The price of the first is UAH 300/4 weeks, the second costs UAH 500/4 weeks.
Reasons for price increase
It is worth talking in more detail about the reasons for the increase in tariffs. Let’s start, of course, with the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. The war became one of the main factors affecting the entire economy of the country. Mobile operators suffered significant losses. In addition, the need to reconfigure networks and restore communication in de-occupied or damaged regions of the country was added.
Another important factor is the increase in the cost of energy resources (and after devastating shelling, their significant limitation). Electricity is one of the main components of the expenses of telecommunications companies. With the increase in energy prices, operators have to increase the costs of maintaining the network. This, in turn, is reflected in the tariffs for subscribers.
Also, one should not forget about the innovations that telecom operators implement despite the war. News about 5G testing suggests that Ukraine is actively preparing for the launch. This, in turn, leads to an increased purchase and installation of expensive equipment, since more communication towers are needed for the stable operation of this technology. About this UA.NEWS described in detail in the material (we advise you to read).
And the last is the general economic context. It should be understood that the country has been at war with Russia for more than 12 years. This leads to high levels of inflation and changes in the exchange rate. The increase in prices for goods and services, unfortunately, also affects the cost of operations of mobile operators. In particular, the increase in the cost of imported components and equipment due to the devaluation of the hryvnia could not but affect the final tariffs for users.
The cost of mobile communication in Europe and comparison with the Ukrainian price list
We decided to estimate the cost of prices for Ukrainian communication. To do this, we compared the average price of the cheapest prepaid tariff of three mobile operators in Ukraine with the price of the average prepaid tariff of mobile operators of five European countries where the most Ukrainians live. All information is placed on the infographic.
The price and content of the tariff in Poland are most similar to the Ukrainian one. The most expensive is the cost of the tariff in Great Britain.
As you can see, Ukrainian operators sell the cheapest prices and one of the largest tariffs for Ukrainians. Of course, wages in Ukraine and Europe differ significantly. This directly affects the availability of mobile services for consumers. However, even with this difference in mind, Ukrainian tariffs remain competitive.
How to save money
However, for the majority of Ukrainians, paying 400 hryvnias per month for communication is a considerable sum. Therefore, we share life hacks that will help make your tariff plan even cheaper.
Transition to contract tariffs
It is worth understanding that the prepaid tariff, although it frees you from the obligation to link the number to your passport, is more expensive. Contract tariffs offer better terms than prepaid plans. The conclusion of a contract with a subscriber enables the company to ensure a stable flow of income for a long period. The subscriber identifies the number with the help of an identity card and undertakes to stay on the plan for a certain time. The operator has greater financial predictability and this gives companies the opportunity to provide discounts or bonuses.
Number transfer to another operator
The competition between the three Ukrainian mobile operators for consumers is extremely high. The biggest “marketing hunt” is thanks to the number porting service. For example, a user who is a subscriber of one mobile operator finds out that another operator has the same tariff when porting a number and costs much cheaper. In this case, he can transfer his number for free, while keeping the physical SIM card and phone number. The transfer process is simple and fast, which makes this service extremely popular among Ukrainians.
The question arises: “Why are operators willing to lower the price if the user transferred his number to their network?” First, it allows you to increase your customer base without having to spend resources on advertising campaigns, new SIM cards, etc. Secondly, when a subscriber transfers a number, the operator encourages him to stay for a longer period of time, and therefore provides a stable flow of income.
Price freeze
Some mobile operators may offer to “freeze” the tariff for a certain period (for example, this service is currently available in Lifecell). This means that you will pay the fixed price for the plan you choose, even if the company later raises the rates for other plans. This option is especially beneficial if you do not plan to change the tariff and want to fix the price for a long time.
Payment for a year in advance
Operators provide discounts to those who pay for a mobile number a year in advance. This allows you to save several hundred hryvnias on the tariff. In addition, such payment allows you to avoid monthly expenses and plan your budget more efficiently.
Using the possibilities of transferring a number, freezing tariffs or paying in advance for a year, subscribers can significantly save on mobile communications. We also recommend that you contact your mobile operator to find out about current offers that may be beneficial for you.
The correct choice of the tariff and saving strategies will allow maintaining financial stability, despite the increase in prices.
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