Cellhire joins in telcos support to Ukraine: deploys eSIM technology to connect media journalists in Ukraine
Last week the European Telecommunication Network Operators (ETNO) announced a series of measures to help the Ukraine and Ukrainian people, noting “access to communications is most crucial during times of crisis.” telcos for Ukraine
Operators across Europe including but not limited to Deutsche Telekom Group; Orange Group; Telefónica/O2; BT; Telia Company; A1 Telekom Austria Group; Telenor Group; Proximus Group; KPN; Vodafone Group; Vivacom; TIM Telecom Italia; Altice Portugal and Swisscom (and list is rising) offer some combination of the following:
- Free international calls to Ukraine;
- No roaming charges with Ukraine;
- Distribution of SIM cards to refugees arriving in neighbouring countries;
- Free WiFi in refugee camps;
- Activation of the “SMS donation” function to the benefit of organizations supporting refugees;
- Including Ukrainian channels in IPTV packages for no added fee
- Donations to relief organizations.
Ukraine has some 54 million mobile subscriptions, and almost two million Ukrainians have fled the country already. The effort represents a significant financial commitment by telecom operators. Indeed telecom operators frequently and increasingly offer free services during crises and disasters.
The free flow of independent and accurate news and information is essential in conflict situations and York-based global connectivity provider and MVNO Cellhire is utilising its eSIM based mobile network, “eSIMsmart”, to provide mobile connectivity over-the-air to its news media customers – print/online, TV, radio and news agencies in Ukraine.
“The eSIM based mobile connectivity is essential to ensuring individuals are contactable and have a communications lifeline,” says Martyn Stevens, Cellhire Group CEO. “Cellhire is supporting many companies, broadcasters and media journalists that are already on the ground or heading to Ukraine to report and broadcast on the situation.
“The invasion of Ukraine has created a crisis for companies with employees located there. Our eSIM solution is an essential lifeline in these crucial times, keeping users on the ground connected.
“Utilising our MVNO eSIMsmart, we are providing eSIM profiles instead of physical SIM cards meaning mobile connectivity is provisioned instantaneously over-the-air in Ukraine, avoiding the logistical distribution challenges faced delivering physical SIMs in-country.”
In addition to eSIM mobile connectivity, Cellhire is providing satellite phones to many customers travelling to Ukraine as an essential emergency backup. “Satellite phones are particularly beneficial in case of local mobile network outages, blackouts or potential cyber-security related incidents in Ukraine,” says Stevens.
Stevens adds, “Like many European mobile network operators, Cellhire has delivered several support packages across its partner networks to help customers in and outside of Ukraine.” telcos for Ukraine
