Stable Internet even during blackouts: the Ministry of Digital Transformation reminds what to do
28 November 2024 15:42
Today, more than 2,000 providers offer xPON connections, which provide high speed, energy efficiency, and stability of the fixed Internet. This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the ministry, over the past year and a half, the number of homes connected to xPON technology has increased from 2.5 million to 3.9 million, which is 46% of fixed-line Internet users. 54% of subscribers use other technologies such as FTTX, DOCSIS, etc.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation emphasizes that xPON technology demonstrates its effectiveness in difficult conditions, when power outages have become commonplace. As a result, more and more Ukrainians are applying for connection. For example, in Kyiv, the number of users more than doubled from 72 thousand to 172 thousand over the year. At the same time, Kyiv still ranks last in the statistics, with approximately 17% of subscribers covered by this technology.
In a commentary for DOU, Yuriy Matsyk, Director of Broadband Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, explained why xPON coverage in the capital is still low.
“Internet networks in Kyiv were the first to be built and scaled in Ukraine, so most of them are outdated. There was no need to update them before the full-scale invasion. Due to the city’s population density and scale, providers need to attract a lot of investment to rebuild their networks to work on xPON,” the expert noted.
One of the key tools for popularizing xPON was the Internet Map during blackouts, created by the Ministry of Digital Transformation together with LUN City a year ago.
How the Internet Map will help during blackouts
At first, the map was launched for providers in Kyiv, Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa regions, but later it was scaled up to the entire country. It allows users to find providers that use xPON and other technologies, find out provider contacts, connection costs, the number of hours of Internet availability during blackouts, and more.
This map also allows you to:
– check the provider’s readiness for power outages;
– find the nearest providers that provide Internet for 4 to 72 hours;
– find out the cost of connection and the monthly fee for Internet services;
– contact the provider and apply for a blackout-resistant Internet connection;
Recently, the map added a “Report incorrect location” button so that users can report if a point on the map is in the wrong place.
What technologies do providers use?
xPON is a modern technology for high-speed and energy-efficient data transmission via passive optical line, which requires ten times less costs to maintain Internet networks in case of power outages (Internet for up to 72 hours);
FTTx – the most common technology for Internet access that requires power from batteries and generators (Internet for 4-8 hours, less often – up to 72 hours);
DOCSIS – a technology that transmits the Internet via a TV cable (Internet for 4-8 hours, less often – up to 72 hours);
xDSL is a technology that transmits the Internet through telephone cables (Internet for 4-8 hours, less often – up to 24 hours).
