Mobile network operators Kyivstar and Vodafone Ukraine are in dialogue with the Ministry of Digital Transformation on the issue of smartphoneization of the elderly.
“Preliminary consultations with the Ministry of Digital Transformation on this project were held. But the implementation and details of the project have not yet been finalized,” the Kyivstar press service told Interfax-Ukraine.
The company recalled that the operator is systematically working to overcome digital barriers between generations: in 2019, the educational project Smartphone for Parents was launched; at the beginning of 2020 a special line of tariffs for subscribers over 60 years old were introduced.
“Digital services, for which we, among other things, are building coverage, cannot be obtained on feature phones. Therefore, smartphoneization is a strategic task at the national level. We are already in dialogue with government authorities on this issue. At the moment, we are waiting for project proposals, which we can study,” the press service of Vodafone Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine.
The company said that not all Ukrainians still use smartphones: according to the operator, about 28% still use feature phones. In most cases, these are older subscribers.
“The authorities have indeed turned to us with a request for a preferential tariff for pensioners. lifecell is ready to join the working group on this project. Details on the development of the tariff will be discussed at joint meetings with the Ministry of Digital Transformation,” lifecell’s press service told Interfax-Ukraine.
The operator also said that among its already existing offers, one can choose convenient tariffs for each subscriber.
