Operator lifecell reports 69.6% network operability in Odesa, 83.8% in region after Dec 13 attack

The network operability of mobile operator LLC lifecell (TM lifecell), part of the DVL (Datagroup Volia–lifecell) group, stood at 69.6% in Odesa and 83.8% in the Odesa region as of 4:00 p.m. on December 16, the company said in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine.

"Our technical team continues installing generators in the region to power more base stations," lifecell's press service said.

As reported, during the night and morning of December 13, the Odesa region was subjected to one of the most massive air attacks by Russian forces. The shelling damaged administrative and residential buildings, as well as energy infrastructure facilities. As a result, most residents of the city were temporarily left without heating, water, and electricity. Points of resilience were deployed in the region, while water dispensing stations and gadget charging points are operating in Odesa.

The operator also noted that power supply issues were observed in Mykolaiv; however, the problem has now been resolved. In particular, as of 4:00 p.m., the availability and stability of communications in Mykolaiv stood at 98.4%, and 99.4% across the region.

"In the non-occupied part of Kherson region, all our base stations are operating," the operator added.

Emergency crews have been deployed to restore and improve network performance, with additional teams formed to install and refuel mobile generators and to guard installed generators.

Overall, 11 teams from Vinnytsia, Khmelnytsky, Lviv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, and Rivne have also been dispatched to provide further assistance, the company added.

"An operational coordination штаб was set up at the Odesa regional office to coordinate further actions and provide rapid support to field teams," the operator said.

"The batteries installed at our base stations are depleted after more than 10 hours without power, after which the equipment can operate only on generators. Full stabilization of communications is possible only with predictable and uninterrupted power supply that ensures stable operation of operators' equipment," the company said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's largest mobile operator Kyivstar reported on the social network Threads that 223 generators are operating in Odesa and the region. In addition, 81.25% of base stations in the region are operating normally and on generators. Additional emergency repair teams from other regions have also been deployed.

First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov said on December 15 that, as of now, mobile network availability in Odesa has been restored to 60%, with Starlink terminals additionally being used to connect new points of resilience.

Head of the regional military administration Oleh Kiper reported that as of December 16, electricity supply has been restored for nearly 330,000 families in Odesa region, all critical infrastructure facilities have been powered, but 288,200 families remain without electricity.