Ukraine Mobile Number Portability Shifts as Kyivstar Loses Subscribers

In February 2026, Ukraine saw a significant movement of mobile subscribers between operators, with 86,929 numbers ported using the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) function. The trend indicates a shift away from Kyivstar, as the operator experienced the largest net loss of subscribers during the month.

Subscriber Movement in February 2026

Data from the National Commission for State Regulation of Communications and Information Technologies of Ukraine (NKEK) reveals the following subscriber movements:

• Kyivstar: 47,024 subscribers left the network.
• Vodafone: 35,047 subscribers departed.
• lifecell: 4,685 subscribers switched operators.
• Intertelecom: 78 subscribers left.
• TriMob: 95 subscribers left.

lifecell Gains Market Share

While Kyivstar and Vodafone experienced subscriber losses, lifecell emerged as the primary beneficiary of the MNP activity. A total of 72,563 numbers were ported to lifecell in February. Vodafone gained 6,901 ported numbers, while Kyivstar, TriMob, and Intertelecom saw smaller gains of 7,400, 22, and 43 respectively.

Notably, lifecell was the only operator to increase its subscriber base through MNP in the past year, achieving a net gain of 67,878 new connections.

Potential SIM Card Registration and Concerns

Discussions surrounding the potential requirement for Ukrainians to register SIM cards with their passports have raised concerns about potential disruptions to mobile communication access. According to a telecom analyst, Alexander Glushchenko, individuals who refuse to comply with the identification requirement could have their data transmission services suspended. OBOZ.UA reports that this would apply to both new and existing SIM cards, with a potential grace period for socially vulnerable groups and Ukrainians abroad.

Political and Industry Obstacles to SIM Card Registration

Despite potential security benefits, the implementation of SIM card registration faces significant hurdles. People’s Deputy Alexander Fedienko (“Servant of the People”) expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a measure, citing lobbying efforts from mobile operators and concerns about financial implications. He suggested that the financial interests of operators, including their international affiliations, may outweigh political considerations.

Kyivstar Tariff Changes

In related news, Kyivstar has discontinued several tariffs, including the “Business UA” line and select packages within the “All Together” line. Subscribers are no longer able to connect to or switch to these discontinued plans.