KYIV. Jan 16 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Kyivstar, the largest mobile network operator in Ukraine, has increased the total capacity of generators in its network to 37 MW, of which 20 MW are large stationary generators to back up key technological sites, company President Oleksandr Komarov has said.
"These network facilities are fully booked. They have enough fuel to cope with the consequences of the blackout. Just yesterday, there were 14 shutdowns of technological sites in 8 regions of Ukraine in 24 hours," he said.
Komarov added that in January-February the company plans to increase the number of stationary and mobile diesel generators at other network facilities by another 40%, to 14 MW.
"As of today, we have 700 stationary and mobile diesel generators with a total capacity of about 10 MW. In January-February, we will increase their number, and, accordingly, the capacity by another 40%, to 14 MW," the Kyivstar president wrote.
According to him, despite all efforts, the available capacities are not enough. Komarov launched a call for cooperation to business representatives who have generators with a capacity of 6 kW and can connect telecom equipment as part of the "Business unites for victory" campaign so that it works during periods of power failure.
"Today, we have about 400 connections to third-party generators, whose (total) capacity is about 3 MW. And also in the processing of more than 600 applications, we are analyzing the technical feasibility of connection," the Kyivstar president said.
In December, Director of the Fixed-Line Internet Development Department of the Ministry of Digital Transformation Yuriy Matsik said that out of 32,000 mobile communication stations, only 7% were provided with generators, and 93% with batteries. According to him, for a communication center where there is traffic switching, generators with a capacity of 20-30 kW are needed. For a base station – 6-8 kW.