Almost 500 Internet providers stop working in Ukraine: details

Between August and October 2024, 487 internet service providers in Ukraine applied for exclusion from the registry of electronic communications network providers, according to Oleksandr Fediyenko, head of the Verkhovna Rada's subcommittee on cybersecurity.

Fediyenko noted that this occurred after a ban on operating under the simplified tax regime was implemented.

"I don't know where they went; we can assume that some closed down, some went underground and escaped regulatory oversight. Some may be sold," Fediyenko said.

As of October 8, the number of businesses that have applied for exclusion from the registry since August reached 487, with 386 applications processed.

The highest number of providers ceased operations in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast – 156, as well as in Cherkasy Oblast – 108.

"I think in a month we will receive another 1,000 providers from the registry, who were the first to digitize the country," Fediyenko noted.

According to the latest data, the number of internet providers before the tax regime change was around 3,500. Data from the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radiofrequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services (NCEC) indicates that 3,443 operators reported providing fixed internet access services in the first half of the year.

In August 2024, internet providers and mobile operators were allowed to apply for draft deferral of 100% of their employees.

Starting October 1, internet providers operating under the simplified tax system had to switch to the general tax system.