Mobile operators in Ukraine were obliged to ensure uninterrupted operation of the network without electricity for 10 hours
Until now, mobile operators were able to provide a maximum of 4 hours of work.
The National Center for Operational and Technical Management of Telecommunications Networks (NCU) has updated the requirements for the operation of base stations of mobile operators under martial law. Mobile operators must now ensure the availability of mobile communication services for 10 hours during power outages, instead of the previous 4 hours.
According to order From July 15, 2024, until October 1, 2024, 60% of mobile base stations must be provided with autonomous backup power to meet the new norm. By November 1, this indicator should increase to 70%, by December 1 – to 80%, and by February 2025 – at least 100%.
In addition, by December 1, at least 25% of base stations in each region must be connected to generators with a supply of fuel and lubricants or equipped with a replaceable battery pack for the first 72 hours.
Due to power outages in Ukraine, the infrastructure of mobile operators has become dependent on batteries and generators installed at base stations.
On July 15, the “Kyivstar” company reported that it is technically impossible to provide all subscribers with high-quality communication and the Internet in the absence of power supply at the base stations.
At the same time, Vodafone noted that all their base stations are equipped with batteries, which in theory should ensure the operation of the stations for a short time. However, in practice, efficiency depends on the current state of the battery.
The lifecell company reported that at least 4 hours of stationary power is required to fully charge the batteries. Powering one base station from a generator requires up to 50 liters of diesel fuel per day.
