Providers set a symbolic fee for electric poles to connect remote villages to the internet

Ukrainian internet providers have had the fee for access to electric poles reduced from 10 hryvnias to a symbolic 1 kopiyka. The Ministry of Digital Transformation expects that the new conditions will make it economically viable to connect 1,043 settlements to home internet, where it is currently absent.

This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

The ministry explained that the high cost of using electric poles was one of the main barriers to laying networks in remote villages. Due to the small number of potential subscribers, such projects were often economically unprofitable for operators.

After the fee reduction, providers will be able to direct the saved funds directly to the purchase of equipment, modernization of communication nodes, and laying networks using xPON technology.

The benefit also applies to cables between villages

The symbolic fee will not only apply to the use of poles directly within settlements. The preferential terms also extend to the transit laying of cable from neighboring villages, which should simplify the construction of networks in remote communities.

The new rules will be in effect throughout the entire martial law and for one year after its end. The Ministry of Digital Transformation believes that the long duration of the benefit will allow telecom companies to plan investments in network expansion.

According to the ministry's calculations, the decision creates the opportunity to connect 1,043 settlements to home internet, whose residents currently lack such access.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation notes that the development of fixed networks in villages should provide residents with stable access to government and banking online services, as well as the ability to work and study remotely.

Based on materials from: Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine