Ukraine's largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, has launched the sale of numbers with the destination network code 77 (+380 77), according to the company's press release on Friday.

Kyivstar announced that numbers with the new "077" code would be available alongside the existing "067," "068," "096," "097," and "098" codes. Customers can purchase these numbers online, in Kyivstar stores, or through partner retailers.

Business clients can order a new number via their coordinator or the My Kyivstar B2B app, the company added.

Exclusive combinations, like "077 777 77 77," will also be on offer.

In total, around 10 million numbers with the "77" code will be made available, increasing capacity since the usage rate of existing codes has reached 79%.

Additionally, Kyivstar specified that iPhone users would need to update their devices to iOS 18.1 to send SMS to "077xxxxxxx" numbers.

Earlier, on February 28, 2024, the National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications, Radiofrequency Spectrum and the Provision of Postal Services (NCEC) granted Kyivstar the right to use the "77" destination network code (+380 77). The code allocation, valid for five years, allows Kyivstar to provide electronic communication services using 10 million non-geographic numbers across Ukraine.

The additional code aims to help Kyivstar avoid a potential shortage of numbers under its existing codes, which already reach 79% capacity.

As of February 1, 2024, Kyivstar's codes showed high usage: 6.9 million numbers with the "67" code, 7.7 million with "68," 8.32 million with "96," 8.51 million with "97," and 8.04 million with "98," each with a capacity of 10 million numbers.

Kyivstar is Ukraine's leading electronic communications provider, serving over 23 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million fixed-internet customers, with services ranging from 4G and Big Data solutions to cybersecurity and digital TV.

Its parent company, VEON, has shares traded on NASDAQ and Euronext and announced in June an increase in its investment in Ukraine from $600 million to $1 billion over five years.