In the 2000s, Ukraine ranked among the world’s top ten countries for internet speed, offering fast and cheap connectivity thanks to an open market with hundreds of private providers. However, as of February 2026, Ukraine’s mobile internet speed is 45 Mbps (86th in the world) and fixed internet 92 Mbps (77th place), both below the global average.
Fragmentation fueled competition and innovation in the early years, making internet affordable for most households. Over time, however, having thousands of small providers became a barrier to large-scale investment—none have the resources to modernize national networks.
By comparison, Poland boasts median mobile speeds of 114 Mbps and fixed at 195 Mbps. European countries modernize networks via joint public-private programs and by supporting broad market collaboration. Leading the world are Singapore (over 400 Mbps for fixed internet) and the UAE (625 Mbps for mobile), both with a handful of large providers investing heavily in infrastructure.
Ukraine now needs a systematic strategy: the state should act as an arbiter, enabling small and medium providers to cooperate and access funding for shared network expansion. Adopting a European-style open access model—where infrastructure is built through public and grant investments for many players, keeping the market competitive—would safeguard both entrepreneurial and social fabric, as well as resilience in critical times.
Conclusion: Ukraine needs a combination of a diversified market and public investment in internet infrastructure to raise quality and national security.
