Ukrainians are actively changing mobile operators: most are switching from Vodafone and Kyivstar
8 March 20:04
In February 2026, mobile operator lifecell became the main beneficiary of mobile number portability (MNP) in Ukraine. In one month, the company gained 72,563 new subscribers who switched to its network from other operators.
This is evidenced by data from the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCCEC), according to the Ministry of Finance, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
How many numbers did operators lose and gain?
In February, subscribers most often switched from the two largest operators, Vodafone and Kyivstar.
The number of numbers transferred from operators’ networks:
- Vodafone Ukraine – 35,047
- Kyivstar – 47,024
- lifecell – 4,685
- Intertelecom – 78
- Trimob – 95
Number of numbers received by operators:
- lifecell – 72,563
- Kyivstar – 7,400
- Vodafone Ukraine – 6,901
- Intertelecom – 43
- Trimob – 22
Net change in subscriber base
According to February results, lifecell gained the most subscribers as a result of number portability.
Operator balance for the month:
- lifecell – 67,878
- Vodafone Ukraine – -28,146
- Kyivstar – -39,624
- Trimob – -73
- Intertelecom – -35
What this means for the market
In fact, lifecell became the main “magnet” for subscribers in February, while the largest outflow was recorded at Kyivstar and Vodafone Ukraine.
The MNP (number portability) service allows users to change their mobile operator while keeping their phone number. This tool is increasingly being used by subscribers to switch to more favorable tariffs or better connection quality.
