Following a prolonged network outage caused by a major cyberattack on Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest mobile operator, competitors are grappling with limitations on servicing Kyivstar clients, as outlined by Petro Chernyshov, the former head of Kyivstar, to NV Business on Dec. 13.

Chernyshov highlighted the constrained technical capacities of Ukrainian mobile operators when it comes to accommodating new customers. "Each of Kyivstar's competitors in Ukraine has limited technical capabilities to smoothly onboard new clients, specifically up to 10% more of their [current] subscriber base," he explained.

"Lifecell has a smaller base [11.4 million subscribers as of Q3 2023, with 9.1 million considered active], and you can also grow that by 10% — this is the number they can comfortably accommodate."

Kyivstar itself boasts a subscriber base of 24 million.

"…Not all of them will switch [operators]. It's unwise to assume that if only two companies remain, mobile communication in Ukraine will be fine. Nothing good will come of it," Chernyshov concluded.

Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence that Kyivstar will be able to restore its services, even if the process takes some time.