In the Ukrainian information space, warnings and forecasts are increasingly appearing: due to the continuation of Russian aggression, constant shelling, and massive attacks on energy infrastructure, this winter could be significantly more difficult than previous ones. Although after all that has been endured, it is hard to imagine what else could possibly surprise us. Among all the challenges of the autumn-winter period, one of the most critical remains the risk of a partial or complete loss of mobile communication and internet during prolonged blackouts. Their absence affects not only domestic comfort but also business operations, the coordination of emergency services, and the ability to stay in touch with loved ones.
The mobile market in Ukraine today: why tariffs will increase and why this doesn't guarantee 100% communication in winter
To prepare networks for possible blackouts, regulators and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine are significantly strengthening requirements for the energy independence of the market. As Oksana Ferchuk, head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, noted in her interview for "Ekonomichna Pravda", the state is focused on maintaining the autonomy of base stations during power outages for several days in a row.
And at first glance, such an initiative guarantees greater stability. However, behind the regulatory requirements lies a harsh economic and technical reality. To significantly increase energy independence, mobile operators need to implement a whole range of expensive and complex measures:
Equipment Procurement
Preparing the networks requires tens of thousands of industrial battery blocks, generators, fuel tanks, power cables, and appropriate power cabinets. According to forecasts by the National Bank of Ukraine and energy experts for the 2025–2026 season, due to the consequences of constant shelling, the electricity deficit in the energy system remained at an average level of 4–6% and reached 15–20% during peak frosty days. To keep base stations operational for up to 72 hours under such conditions, leading mobile operators in Ukraine invested billions of hryvnias in backup power, purchasing tens of thousands of new LiFePO4 battery blocks and diesel generators. The market for this equipment is global, and delivery times for pre-ordered items range from 3 to 6 months.
Logistics and Maintenance
Delivering equipment to Ukraine is only the first step, as it needs to be distributed across thousands of sites in cities, villages, along highways, and on high-rise structures. This requires regular refueling, technical audits, dispatching repair crews, and quick replacement of used batteries.
Staffing Shortages and Related Costs
The lack of technical specialists creates a significant additional burden on the telecom market. Due to mobilization processes and the specifics of working in conditions of power outages, operators are experiencing a shortage of communications engineers and generator maintenance technicians. According to Work.ua labor market analytics, the level of competition in the technical sector remains low — on average, fewer than 1–2 responses per vacancy (compared to the market average of 10–15). To retain staff, companies are forced to increase salaries, pay overtime for work during blackouts, and engage outsourced contractor teams, which directly increases network maintenance costs.
Economic Effect for Consumers
According to estimates, investments in infrastructure, logistics, and technical maintenance eventually form the cost of services. Therefore, an increase in prices for mobile communication and internet is only a matter of time.
However, even with a significant increase in tariffs, mobile communication remains vulnerable during a massive blackout. Currently, according to operators, equipment can operate normally for up to 10 hours. Firstly, base stations are stationary ground objects that risk physical damage or complete destruction due to enemy actions. Secondly, during power outages, millions of users simultaneously switch from home Wi-Fi to mobile internet, creating heavy network congestion, which degrades the connection.
What to do now to prepare for a blackout
Instead of relying solely on mobile networks, it is worth following the principle of "prepared means armed." Preparation for possible crisis scenarios should be divided into basic organizational steps and technical solutions.
1. Develop family and corporate communication scenarios
It is necessary to agree in advance with children, parents, and colleagues on a clear action plan in case of mobile network absence for more than 12–24 hours. Determine specific safe meeting points at designated times, arrange for the use of alternative messengers or access points, and discuss steps in case of emergencies.
2. Physically record important information
During a prolonged power outage, smartphones may run out of battery or malfunction. Write down phone numbers of relatives, emergency services, medical facilities, neighbors, and work contacts in a notebook or on a separate sheet of paper. This will allow you to make a call from another available device, a stationary point, or an Invincibility Point if necessary.
3. Ensure energy autonomy for your home or office
A modern office or private residence should be prepared for autonomous operation for several days. To do this, calculate and purchase the necessary capacity of power sources: power banks for small devices, portable charging stations, battery packs with inverters to power routers, lighting, and household appliances.
4. Purchase an Adaptis communication system
When terrestrial telecom infrastructure is damaged or overloaded, the most reliable and proven tool remains Starlink satellite internet.
Its main advantage is that it does not depend on the status of mobile towers. The terminal only needs a clear view of the sky, a stable power source, and the device itself to operate.
From a financial perspective, Starlink also guarantees stability. Tariffs are determined by the company's global policy and do not depend on the costs of Ukrainian mobile operators for energy backup or changes in domestic legislation. For those planning to use the terminal as a backup communication channel in case of blackouts or damage to the primary internet, the most advantageous choice is the "Home Lite" tariff. It provides full network access for a moderate monthly fee, making it an optimal solution for a private home or office.
Learn more about Starlink tariffs in Ukraine
At the same time, it is worth taking care of the physical protection of the terminal in advance, as modern conditions require equipment to be prepared for both bad weather and possible shelling.
A clear example is the case that occurred in April 2026: an enemy "Shahed" hit the house of Serhiy "Flash" Beskrestnov, an advisor to the President of Ukraine. Due to the extreme temperature from the impact, the protective Adaptis casing melted, but the Starlink inside remained intact and continued to work.
Originally developed for military and humanitarian missions, Adaptis casings ensure hermetic sealing, impact resistance, and thermal protection. Today, these military safety standards are available to civilian users, private homes, and businesses.
