In a recent development in Ukraine, the Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, announced that large Internet providers and mobile operators will soon be able to reserve all employees for mobilization. This decision comes as a response to the government’s support for changes to its own resolution, aimed at stabilizing communication services during blackouts and ensuring that people’s basic life needs are not affected.
Fedorov emphasized the importance of maintaining communication infrastructure and the need to restore it promptly in the event of disruptions caused by various factors, including enemy shelling and power outages. The government’s goal is to ensure that Ukrainians have access to the Internet even during challenging circumstances, such as blackouts and shelling.
According to the minister, emergency crews of providers and operators play a crucial role in restoring telecommunication infrastructure to guarantee uninterrupted access to communication services for the population. To achieve this, providers and operators must meet specific requirements set by the National Center for Operational and Technical Management of Telecommunications Networks (NCC) to ensure autonomous operation.
One of the key requirements outlined in the official infographic is that companies must obtain the status of a critical enterprise and comply with the recent regulations set by the NCC. Mobile operators are expected to generate a monthly income of over ₴200 million, with employees working full-time for at least a quarter. On the other hand, providers with lower income thresholds, up to ₴20 million per month, will have different criteria to meet. Additionally, other providers will have the option to reserve up to 50% of their employees under certain conditions.
It is worth noting that in July, the NCC published requirements for mobile operators regarding battery life, mandating that cellular networks should be able to operate without power for a minimum of 10 hours. The order includes deadlines for the gradual implementation of this requirement and additional conditions that operators must adhere to.
In conclusion, the decision to allow large Internet providers and mobile operators to reserve all employees for mobilization reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the stability of communication services in Ukraine, particularly during challenging situations like blackouts and shelling. By setting specific requirements and standards for providers and operators, the government aims to guarantee uninterrupted access to the Internet for the population, even in the face of adversities. This proactive approach underscores the importance of communication infrastructure in modern society and the need to safeguard it against potential disruptions.