Ukrainians explained why there were problems with communication
7 June 2024 14:55
The massive shift to mobile internet during power outages is putting a strain on mobile operators’ networks. This causes problems with communication, reports "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Yuriy Matsyk, Director of the Fixed Internet Development Department at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, who spoke on the air of a national telethon on Friday, 7 June.
According to the official, most users in Ukraine access the Internet via a fixed network. However, 80% of traffic use is via Wi-Fi connections. During power outages, mobile devices switch to cellular data, which increases the load on operators’ towers. However, operators cannot cope with the sharp increase in the number of mobile internet users, which leads to connectivity problems.
“During power outages, mobile phones switch to cellular data, which increases the load on mobile operators’ towers. The latter are unable to cope with the significant increase in the number of mobile internet users,” said Yuriy Matsyk.
In addition, the frequency resource limitations of operators do not allow them to simply increase network capacity. The ministry urges citizens to ensure stable network operation at home on their own. To do this, you need to contact your provider and find out about the possibility of connecting xPON technology.
What was the situation in the Ukrainian power system on 7 June
Due to an increase in electricity consumption and a shortage in the power grid following massive Russian attacks over the past day, power companies were forced to apply emergency blackouts in addition to hourly blackouts. In addition, people’s homes in Sumy and Chernihiv regions remained without power due to the weather. Active hostilities caused new blackouts in Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson regions.
In his turn, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of NPC Ukrenergo, said that Ukrainian power engineers will need weeks, months and even years to restore TPPs and HPPs.
“We are dealing with an absolutely unprecedented scale of destruction. And the deficits that we have in the energy system now, which are not even covered by the fairly powerful imports coming from Europe to Ukraine, are just a consequence of this destruction, unfortunately. And the bad news is that it is technically impossible to restore these damaged power plants quickly. It takes time: weeks, often months, sometimes years,” Kudrytskyi said.
