Operators assure communication in Ukraine will work stably under almost any conditions

UNSPLASH

Ukrainian mobile and fixed line operators assure that in case of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the connection will function, as AIN.UA reported.

All three largest mobile operators in Ukraine, Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine and Lifecell, reported that they had experience of operation amidst various emergency circumstances (natural disasters, equipment damage, cyber attacks). And they are now elaborating how to provide communication amidst escalation. Even in conditions of power falures.

Kyivstar noted that modern communication networks could, if necessary, change the routing of traffic through transit nodes located in different cities of Ukraine. This will allow to guarantee communication, even if some part of the network is damaged.

Vodafone Ukraine stressed that the operator had experience in pandemics, lockdowns, unstable electricity supply and other crises. And the infrastructure is built in such a way as to provide backup communication lines for risks. 

“We have backup equipment and backup data channels in Ukraine and abroad. In case of malfunction of some, others can maintain communication at the appropriate level, ”the company said.

The lifecell network works on similar principles. 

In addition, several operating companies told the publication that the telecom network facilities were protected. For example, in Kyivstar such facilities are guarded 24/7 on a full-time basis and with the help of third-party security organizations. Vodafone Ukraine has also strengthened the armed guard of important facilities, in particular with the involvement of the Security Police.

Operators are also preparing to protect against possible cyber threats. Vodafone Ukraine said it had strengthened the company's outer and inner perimeters from possible cyberattacks. “We took a number of measures to identify vulnerabilities and risks of the company's information systems, conducted pen-tests. We bought additional equipment for cyber security, ”the company said. Other major operators are taking similar steps to monitor potential threats around the clock.

Regarding cyber security, the operators also consult with state bodies, in particular with the Department of Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in the Sphere of Information Security of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBI).

Ukrtelecom emphasizes that in extraordinary circumstances, fixed telephone and optical Internet connections are more secure than mobile - because you need to physically damage the cable to interrupt them. Radio communication, on the other hand, can be jammed.

“Telephone communication can work even without electricity in the house (provided the phone is used without radio communication), because the power is supplied from the automatic telephonic stations, which has backup power in case of emergency power failures. Fixed optical Internet is not affected by electronic warfare, and if the consumer has an alternative power supply on the router, and the operator has the ability to support network nodes, the connection will be (on GPON networks - gigabit passive optical network). The company has established a system of redundancy of communication channels and digital fiber-optic communication lines. In case of damage to telephone lines, calls are forwarded to alternative numbers or switched to a convergent network that combines wired and wireless communication, ”Ukrtelecom explained.

In general, as Ukrtelecom concludes, the combination of fixed and mobile telephone connections with optical Internet is stable. 

In case of martial law, according to the Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law, a special mode of operation may be established for telecom networks, the decision is made by the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection (State Special Communications). In this case, the National Center for Operational and Technical Network Management will manage the networks.