In Kyiv, the testing zone for fifth-generation mobile communications technology, or 5G, will cover the city center, from Independence Square to Bessarabska Square.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation said this in a press release, Ukrinform reports.

"Mobile operators have already successfully tested the technology in Lviv, Kharkiv and Borodianka. Specialists have gained unique experience in deploying networks under different infrastructure conditions, from historic city centers and railway stations to frontline cities and small communities. Now testing is moving to the capital," the ministry said.

The next-generation network will initially operate in the central part of the city, from Independence Square to Bessarabska Square.

In addition, some mobile operators have deployed extra locations where 5G is already available. In particular, Vodafone Ukraine CEO Olha Ustynova said the company had installed equipment that would allow it to test 5G performance in all districts of Kyiv.

Nearly 1.5 million Ukrainians have already tested 5G technology in Ukraine. During the trials, data transfer speeds reached more than 1 Gbps, while the average speed was around 600-700 Mbps. After Kyiv, the pilot network will be expanded to Odesa. Once martial law ends, the technology will be rolled out across the country.

More than 300 base stations are already supporting the pilot network, and operators are expanding the infrastructure. Ukrainian smartphones are also gradually becoming ready for the innovation: currently, 29% of devices support 5G technology.

Usually, a smartphone automatically connects to the next-generation network. To ensure everything works properly, or if the "5G" icon does not appear, the Ministry of Digital Transformation recommends checking the following settings:

• Make sure your smartphone supports 5G. In your phone's settings, under "Cellular Data" or "Mobile Network," check which technologies your device supports.
• Update your operating system. Make sure your phone is running the latest software version.
• Turn off data-saving and power-saving modes. These modes often automatically restrict background downloads and 5G functionality to conserve battery life.
• Reset the network connection. If your phone does not connect automatically, turn Airplane Mode on and then off again after a few seconds.
• Restart your phone. This can help the device register with the network again.

As reported, a 5G pilot project was launched in Lviv on January 12. The project was launched on a trial basis by mobile operators Kyivstar, Vodafone and lifecell.