Web Development & Social Platforms
The Internet expanded across Ukraine. Web development flourished, and the first social platforms and forums connected communities.
2000
Establishment of the Internet Association of Ukraine (IAU)
In November 2000, the Internet Association of Ukraine (IAU) was founded.
2001
Introduction of 2G Internet in Ukraine
In the early 2000s, 2G Internet brought Ukrainians their first mobile digital experience, enabling browsing, email, and ICQ messaging at speeds of 100–150 kbps.
2001
Ukrtelecom Introduces Dial-Up Internet for Home Users
In 2001, Ukrtelecom launched dial-up Internet for home users, innovating with city call billing and “free” Internet access (users paid only for calls). The period also saw the rise of the popular “callback” service, optimizing connection costs for users.
2004
Launch of Ukraine’s Leading Online Retailer Rozetka
Founded in 2004, Rozetka has grown to become Ukraine’s largest online retailer and, as of 2025, ranks among the country’s top visited websites, highlighting its lasting impact on e-commerce.
2004
The Beginning and Growth of Ukrainian Wikipedia
Ukrainian Wikipedia started in January 2004 with its first article, “Atom,” and has since grown to over 1.3 million articles, ranking 14th among all language editions and 3rd among Slavic Wikipedias as of 2025.
2005
Early Development of Ukrainian Social Platforms
Ukrainian social platforms began in 2005 with 1ua.com.ua, followed by networks like Connect.ua, Ukrainci, Ukrainian Scientists Worldwide, and vreale.net, marking the initial growth of local online communities.
2005
The Emergence of Mobile Internet and 3G in Ukraine
Ukraine’s mobile Internet began in 2005 with the first 3G license issued to Ukrtelecom, followed by CDMA networks like PEOPLEnet and MTS Connect. PEOPLEnet, the first CDMA 3G operator, launched in December 2006 with speeds up to 3.1 Mbps.
2005
YouTube’s Arrival and Growth in Ukraine
The first video from Ukraine appeared on YouTube in 2005, with a Ukrainian-language interface launching in 2010. By 2024, around 4,200 Ukrainian-language channels reached 50,000+ monthly views, highlighting the growth of localized digital media.
2006
Launch and Growth of OLX in Ukraine
Launched as Slando on March 3, 2006, OLX became Ukraine’s leading classifieds platform. Since rebranding in 2014, it adds over 3 million listings monthly and remains among the top 10 most visited Ukrainian websites.
2007
Launch of Ukraine’s First Free Torrent Tracker – Toloka (Hurtom)
Launched in October 2007 as toloka.hurtom.com, Toloka (Hurtom) became Ukraine’s first free torrent tracker. Volunteer-run and ad-free, it grew to 1 million users by 2019, offering Ukrainian-language content primarily for educational purposes.
2008
Facebook’s Expansion into Ukraine
Facebook launched in Ukraine in 2008 and, by 2017, became the country’s most popular social network, significantly connecting Ukrainians and shaping the local digital landscape.
2009
Bibliomist: Expanding Internet Access Across Ukraine
Bibliomist equipped public libraries in Ukraine with internet access and digital literacy training, helping bridge the digital divide and increase online connectivity nationwide.