Ukraine may fine mobile operators for poor service during power outages / The New Voice of Ukraine

Ukraine’s parliamentary Digital Transformation Committee has recommended a bill that would introduce fines for mobile operators that fail to ensure stable connection during rolling blackouts, chair of the Digital Industry Development subcommittee Serhiy Shtepa announced on Sept. 18.

The MP noted that the bill was drafted to implement a corresponding July directive from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“The bill provides for increased unplanned inspections of mobile operators and higher fines for violating the requirements of the National Communications Commission, which regulates the industry,” Shtepa said in a Telegram post.

“This is to ensure that Ukrainians remain connected even during prolonged power outages.”

He added that some mobile operators "did not take the issue seriously" and did not invest in backup generators to power their infrastructure during blackouts.

“We understand that we must compel mobile operators to execute the [Supreme] Commander-in-Chief's decision and do everything to maintain communication even during power outages,” the message said.

“I hope the bill will be passed by the parliament as soon as possible.”