Mobile operator lifecell has started testing its 5G network in Lviv, launching a pilot project using 3500 MHz frequencies. The new-generation technology is available to all users within the coverage area — including the city center and near the Main Railway Station — provided they have a 5G-compatible smartphone and a USIM or eSIM card. No additional charges apply for using the new network.
Features of the pilot network
- The 5G network operates in NSA (Non-Standalone) mode, where the 5G radio layer works alongside the existing 4G infrastructure that handles data exchanges.
- This approach allows for a faster deployment of 5G without requiring a full infrastructure overhaul.
- The channel width is 100 MHz, five times greater than the 20 MHz typically available in 4G.
- Advanced signal processing enables faster and more reliable data transmission, even in crowded areas, without the need for additional base stations.
Technical advantages of lifecell’s 5G
- Peak data transfer speeds exceed 1 Gbps.
- Average speeds are up to ten times higher compared to LTE.
- Smooth cloud services access, HD video streaming without delays, fast downloads, online gaming, and support for VR/AR technologies.
- Development of IoT ecosystems for smart cities and business applications.
Coverage and device compatibility
- Coverage currently includes central Lviv — particularly Rynok Square and surrounding streets within a 700-meter radius — as well as the Main Railway Station area.
- Signal availability may vary based on location and building density; indoor coverage may be limited.
- To access 5G, users need:
- a smartphone with support for the n78 band (3500 MHz),
- an active lifecell USIM or eSIM,
- the latest OS version,
- an active tariff plan.
As of now:
- 29% of devices on the lifecell network support 5G;
- in major cities, this figure rises to 40%;
- 99% of those devices support the 3500 MHz band;
- Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi account for about 90% of 5G-compatible devices on the network.
lifecell’s statement
According to lifecell CEO Mykhailo Shelemba, Lviv has long been a city of innovation and a launchpad for new technologies. It was here that Ukraine’s first 3G network was launched in 2015, and now it’s the starting point for 5G. The pilot will help assess the network’s real-world performance and readiness for a broader rollout across the country.
Future plans
Based on the results from Lviv, the project will expand to other Ukrainian cities. The pilot 5G network will operate until lifecell obtains full commercial licenses for 5G frequencies.