Kyivstar, lifecell, and Vodafone discuss preparations for possible blackouts.

Mobile operators in Ukraine are preparing for possible power outages, reports Suspilne. By order, they must ensure 10 hours of network operation without power by February 1, 2025. However, no operator will be able to fully meet these requirements.

Kyivstar, the largest operator in Ukraine, has about 15 thousand key stations. 60% of them can operate without power for more than 4 hours, and 40% - for 2-3 hours. The company plans to ensure the entire network's autonomy for 4+ hours, and part of it - for 6 hours. Kyivstar also has 2,100 generators, 30% of which belong to other operators.

Lifecell reported that it has more than 10 thousand key stations. More than half of them are equipped with new lithium batteries capable of supporting operation for about 4 hours. The operator has also connected more than 1,700 base stations to generators.

Vodafone Ukraine has "tens of thousands" of base stations. All of them are equipped with new lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. More than 50% of the stations will be able to operate without power for 4-6 hours, depending on the load.

The main issues operators face are financial investments, finding and installing equipment, restrictions on placing generators, increasing personnel, and mobilizing workers. Despite these challenges, operators continue to work on improving the autonomy of their networks. Vodafone plans to invest 10 billion hryvnias in 2024-2025, Kyivstar - 1.4 billion hryvnias with plans for an additional billion, and lifecell has already invested 1 billion hryvnias in alternative energy sources.

Let us recall that the UN predicted the power outages Ukrainians are expected to face this winter.