Category:Ukraine

Euromaiden

Seeing big picture in UA with mobile operators: problem in Ukraine is that bad guy,Rinat Akhmetov, has control of most, if not all, wireless towers...he's politically connected, also with police...sort of mafia boss type.

No matter what landline or mobile phone you use, they can all be tracked and intercepted. Be careful what you say on phones, including names of people (true identity).

If you are just trying to stay connected, read choice below.

AVAILABLE CHOICES

Don't Use > Turkcell owns majority of Astelit (partner SCM) and SCM owns Life. SCM owner is a person that euromaidan is protesting against: Rinat Akhmetov, therefore all three are NOT recommended.

• For fixed line they should NOT use VEGA < it's also owned by SMC/ Rinat Akhmetov
• Use VOILA for cable internet service.

ANDROID

If you have an android cell phone use the RedPhone App by Open WhisperSystems" for Encrypted Communication And Storage.

BEST MOBILE OPERATOR/SERVICE

USE > MTS Ukraine would be better to use. according to research, so far.

• MTS Ukraine uses 2 satellites. One is owned by Thuraya. Thuraya is owned by [Arabs - Rinat Akhmetov has NO connection to this satellite service] However, it is believed that the USA can intercept Thuraya 2. Since the USA currently supports euromaidan protests, it may not matter too much for protesters if USA Govt can listen to communications (?).

• MTS Ukraine has a special upgrade service, ULTRA. With this service you can hide your ID. This is good, since Ukraine Govt/Police will likely be monitoring/tracking cell phone users.

There are MTS phone shops in Kiev. Ask about ULTRA service and if MTS has/can make the Thuraya SatSleave available in their shops. List of MTS shops will show when Kiev is clicked on the map

• • The MTS communications network covers 97% of the territory of Ukraine inhabited by 99% of the Ukrainian population.

Thuraya SatSleeve

• • It is now possible to have a satellite connection with the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S3 or S4 when you use a Thuraya SatSleeve. Since MTS Ukraine uses the Thuraya satellite for roaming mobile connections, it is safe to assume that if you have MTS Connect Ukraine that you can use the SatSleeve. This is a great option, especially if GSM gets turned off.
• The "Thuraya SatSleeve allows Samsung Galaxy android and iPhone users to turn their smartphone into a satellite phone to make phone calls, send SMS messages and access apps via Thuraya’s satellite network when they are unable to connect to a terrestrial GSM.

• • Android users connect to the satellite

• • There is SatSleave for iPhone also

• • If MTS shop can not get you a SatSleeve, try online shopping.

OTHER OPTIONS

• For Group Chatting: Mumble is by far the more recommended option and have android/iOS clients near impossible to intercept. Though still needs GSM and cell towers. < so if cell towers are owned by Rinat Akhmetov, it is still best to be using MTS as your operator.

• Ostel.co, and Redphone, but they are mainly android and are not made for group chatting

Very-small-aperture terminal

I'd focus more on VSAT terminals then individual phones - more stationary, but still portable, and much higher throughput for much cheaper

It uses larger dishes to do internet - better return on investment, if you are going drop the money on really expensive gear

• I'd also look at wiring up alternative communication networks with stuff like wifi