On October 18, Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation signed a 10-point Memorandum of Cooperation with Latvia’s Ministry of Transportation to support Ukraine in the immediate restoration of broadband internet as well as support the country’s development of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and its integration into EU and joint projects.

The memorandum was signed on the 5G Techritory stage in Rīga by Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister for Innovations, Development of Education, Science and Technologies and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Latvia’s Minister for Transport, Kaspars Briškens.

“Ukraine needs more innovations to stay resilient and keep the pace of the world. In particular, launching 5G. Today we’ve signed a memorandum with the Latvian Ministry of Transport on digital connectivity. We will jointly work on the rebuilding of the broadband infrastructure, supporting Ukrainian mobile operators, and speeding up the 5G launch in Ukraine. Great that we can have Latvian expertise on EU regulations and experience on pioneering public 5G network,” said Fedorov at the signing.

With over $2 billion worth of damage done to Ukraine’s ICT infrastructure since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, including more than 4,000 base stations and 60,000 kilometers of fiber-optic lines destroyed, and 12.2% of households having lost access to mobile services, Ukraine’s infrastructure will have to be rebuilt.

“Digital infrastructure and innovations are an important part of our drive to boost international competitiveness – by facilitating 5G/6G adoption, furthering public sector’s involvement in the innovation ecosystem, building an industry digital twin, and deploying smart ITS, IoT, and future mobility systems. Working with and learning from Ukraine can not only help us to achieve our goals but can meaningfully contribute towards bringing Ukraine into the European digital ecosystem,” said Briškens.

The memorandum outlines 10 key areas for collaboration:

“Ukraine needs more innovations to stay resilient and keep the pace of the world. In particular, launching 5G. Today we’ve signed a memorandum with the Latvian Ministry of Transport on digital connectivity. We will jointly work on the rebuilding of the broadband infrastructure, supporting Ukrainian mobile operators, and speeding up the 5G launch in Ukraine. Great that we can have Latvian expertise on EU regulations and experience on pioneering public 5G network,” said Fedorov at the signing.

“Digital infrastructure and innovations are an important part of our drive to boost international competitiveness – by facilitating 5G/6G adoption, furthering public sector’s involvement in the innovation ecosystem, building an industry digital twin, and deploying smart ITS, IoT, and future mobility systems. Working with and learning from Ukraine can not only help us to achieve our goals but can meaningfully contribute towards bringing Ukraine into the European digital ecosystem,” said Briškens.

To support the immediate restoration of broadband internet

analysis and search for solutions for modernization of the broadband Internet access infrastructure to ensure long-term secure, sustainable, human-centred and inclusive Internet connectivity;

facilitating EU integration in electronic communications;

providing advice and exchange of best practices in designing laws and regulatory basis according to EU and international best practices;

exchange of experience and conducting trainings for strengthening human capacity of the Parties and other stakeholders in the electronic communications and radio frequency spectrum, development of broadband Internet access infrastructure and innovations;

facilitating improving of mobile communication networks and its quality in Ukraine, including launching 5G technologies, verified by mapping and public consultation;

promotion of partnership between providers of electronic communication networks and/or services that legally operate within the jurisdiction of the Parties, for the purpose of restoring the infrastructure of broadband Internet access;

studying the possibilities of cooperation regarding the development of the broadband Internet access infrastructure on railway and road routes of Ukraine based on Latvia’s experience with Rail Baltica;

supporting Ukraine in the international digital environment, i.e in ITU, CEPT, BCO Network, etc.;

advancing Ukraine’s participation in the programs and international technical support projects of the EU, particularly the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).