The private sector, composed of telecom companies and numerous Ukrainian ISPs, has played a crucial role in keeping the nation connected. However, the ability of small ISPs to sustain operations hinges on securing critical equipment such as batteries, cables, switches, etc. Desperate for support, they continue to repair and reinforce their networks, ensuring Ukraine stays connected in these trying times.
Since the beginning of the full scale invasion, Ukrainian ISPs and telcos have restored connectivity to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. They have done this mainly at their own expense, without assistance from the local government or international donors. Groups like the Global NOG Alliance and to a smaller extent eQualitie have managed to ship in a minimum of fibre optic cables, splitters, routers and batteries but this is a drop in the ocean of needs.
From June 3-6, 2024, Ukrainian telecom leaders gathered at the NOG UA Conference in Lviv to address the international community, seeking support for local ISPs. The organizers presented a map of needs and discussed a Marshall Plan for the recovery of Ukrainian telecommunications.