Ukraine prepaid flat rate SIM

[dg7feq]

yes, thats pretty sure. The other operators have CDMA but 450 and 800 MHz wich is not GSM compatible:

GSM Coverage Maps | Ukraine

[NFH]

Originally Posted by dg7feq

yes, thats pretty sure. The other operators have CDMA but 450 and 800 MHz wich is not GSM compatible:

GSM Coverage Maps | Ukraine

Like you, I used to rely upon the above GSM Association web site for definitive information about networks, but it is clearly out of date in many cases. For example, this month I used MTS 3G in Belarus, which is shown at GSM Coverage Maps | Belarus as being "GSM 900/1800" only. I therefore still believe that Kyivstar has 3G coverage. Can anyone confirm?

[Frank_Costello]

Originally Posted by NFH

I therefore still believe that Kyivstar has 3G coverage. Can anyone confirm?

Kyivstar hasn't 3G coverage. It provides 3G national roaming in TriMob network (with special simcard only). All other 3G networks use American standard CDMA 800 MHz and 450 MHz. By the way, you can't find any CDMA 800 MHz network in Europe except Ukraine and Transnistria (Moldova).

Originally Posted by kuba.g

At least I have used a Kievstar prepaid last time when I was in Ukraine (summer 2011 in Odessa) and for sure I had a 3G signal.

Kyivstar provides 3G data roaming only when you use special Kyivstar simcards for internet that you can buy only together with 3G modem (“Kyivstar. Mobile Internet” set marked with yellow stripe "3G internet", price 349 UAH).

[kuba.g]

Originally Posted by Frank_Costello

Kyivstar provides 3G data roaming only when you use special Kyivstar simcards for internet that you can buy only together with 3G modem (“Kyivstar. Mobile Internet” set marked with yellow stripe "3G internet", price 349 UAH).

It's hard for me to argue with a specialist from Ukraine, but I really remember having 3G signal... In summer 2010 when I was my very first time in Ukraine I even remember actually testing its speed in Sambor because I was amazed that it had 3G coverage there - and I have bought the sim card from a little Kievstar stand at the Marschrutka station for 50 UAH there (no modem or anything). But perhaps it may have changed since then....?

[Frank_Costello]

Originally Posted by kuba.g

It's hard for me to argue with a specialist from Ukraine, but I really remember having 3G signal... In summer 2010 when I was my very first time in Ukraine I even remember actually testing its speed in Sambor because I was amazed that it had 3G coverage there - and I have bought the sim card from a little Kievstar stand at the Marschrutka station for 50 UAH there (no modem or anything). But perhaps it may have changed since then....?

It is not possible to use regular Kyivstar simcards in national roaming in TriMob (Utel in 2010) network. It is impossible even register in TriMob network with it. To use 3G internet you need to buy special simcard with modem, and this simcard supports only data and sms, you can't use it for calls.

Also it is possible to buy just special simcard without modem by signing the contract in Kyivstar offices (you need to show passport and Ukrainian tax number certificate).

So, I think you're mistaken. Apparently it was just the EDGE.
Or maybe someone sold you Kyivstar's 3G simcard separately on one's pat? Does it support calls?

[Gabbai]

Any type of service in the Ukraine aside of in the really major cities can be very patchy. Don't think you are in a highly developed telecommunications country! Check around with a local to see what the best deal is at any given time depending on where you want to call. I was there three weeks ago and got a SIM from Beeline [Kyivstar] that gives me USA calling for UAH 0.19 / EU 0.019 a minute [with a UAH 1 connection fee on the first call made each day].

[international]

Thanks for the info folks!

[NFH]

Has anything changed in Ukraine recently? Is ТриМоб still the only 3G network in Kiev? Is there any 4G yet?

Is it possible to buy a ТриМоб nano-SIM at Kiev Бориспіль airport (ideally in Terminal D)?

[Frank_Costello]

Originally Posted by NFH

Has anything changed in Ukraine recently? Is ТриМоб still the only 3G network in Kiev? Is there any 4G yet?

Is it possible to buy a ТриМоб nano-SIM at Kiev Бориспіль airport (ideally in Terminal D)?

Unfortunately nothing has changed. ТриМоб is still the only 3G network in Ukraine (if we doesn't count CDMA networks). 3mob has the worst marketing and PR departments in the world I guess. Half of friends of mine still thought that there're no any 3G options except CDMA.
You can get micro or nano sim in mobile phone shops and also in the 3mob offices. I don't know about situation in the KBP.

[NFH]

Thanks very much for the advice. Does ТриМоб definitely issue prepaid SIM cards? On their web site , it suggests it's contract only.