Ukraine Simplifies Land Use Rules to Accelerate Digital Infrastructure Development
On August 7, Ukraine officially published Law No. 4321-IX, which streamlines land access procedures for the expansion of mobile and digital communications infrastructure across the country. The law, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 5, was published in Holos Ukrainy and introduces legislative deregulation for the telecom sector.
Faster Land Allocation to Boost 4G and High-Speed Internet
A key provision of the law is the reduction in time required to allocate land plots for constructing base stations — from 6 months down to 3. This change is expected to significantly improve mobile communications, especially in rural areas and along highways.
Additionally, the law:
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Enables the legal use of mobile base stations without risk of dismantling, critical for restoring connectivity in post-conflict zones.
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Allows the use of land easement rights for placing digital infrastructure, simplifying legal hurdles for telecom expansion.
Special Mechanism for Strategic Development in Uzhhorod District
The law also introduces a mechanism for the forced alienation of land in the Uzhhorod district (Transcarpathian region) for strategic enterprises, including those that have relocated due to war. This applies during martial law and ensures:
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Government authorization to reclaim land plots for public needs.
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Fair compensation to owners, including value increases.
Adaptations for War-Affected and Occupied Territories
Recognizing the realities of war, the law adapts land registration procedures in occupied or frontline areas:
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Land plots can now be formed and registered without field surveys.
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After the end of martial law, cadastral information must be updated.
Postponement of Urban Planning Requirements
To facilitate rapid development, the deadline for requiring comprehensive spatial development plans for communities has been extended from 2025 to 2028. In the meantime:
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The absence of planning schemes will not block other types of urban development documentation.
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Planning schemes can be developed upon Cabinet approval, allowing for greater flexibility in strategic regions.
Strategic Impact
The law is seen as a vital step toward:
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Expanding 4G and mobile high-speed internet coverage across Ukraine, especially in remote and rural areas.
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Accelerating post-war digital recovery and ensuring infrastructure is resilient and scalable.
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Enhancing investment attractiveness in the Ukrainian telecom and digital services sector.
This reform aligns with Ukraine’s broader goals for digital transformation, rural inclusion, and post-war reconstruction.
