COMMENTARY:   Ukrainians Enjoy  Technological Progress

By Roman Tashleetsky

Some 10 years ago “internet” and “e-mail” were merely fashionable words. At that time only very successful businessmen had access to the internet or mobile communication. For most Ukrainians, even the latest household appliances, like new TV-sets, were but a dream. But over the last five to seven years, Ukraine has seen considerable technological change and progress.

Similarly, not that many years ago, students thought Computer Science was a very dull subject. The computers they worked on had little functionality, and pupils could not understand what practical benefits they could gain from them. Teachers’ assurances that soon no one in well-paid professions would go without computers seemed to be a prediction pertaining to the very distant future. But, the pace of development of computer technology in Ukraine has surpassed all expectations.

Now, it is hard to find a good job in Ukraine if you are not computer-literate. Regardless of whether you are an accountant or a secretary in a bank, you need to know computer programs such as Excel of Word. Journalists, translators, designers and teachers today cannot imagine life without a computer. Therefore, computer courses have become very popular.

The older generation often feels frustrated with these innovations. Naturally, new knowledge comes easier to young people. Children are introduced to computers through computer games and usually grasp new technology better than their parents. At one point, computer-game clubs sprung up like mushrooms, and problems emerged when some children began spending their lunch money on games and skipping lessons to go to these clubs. But now the issue is less urgent, partly because strict laws regulating the operation of such clubs, which set age restrictions and times when children are allowed at the clubs, have appeared. Also, more parents are buying a computer for their children so that they can play at home.        

But, adults are buying computers not only for their children. Many appreciate the benefits of the internet, which is playing an increasingly important role in Ukrainian society. According to the internet-company bigmir.net, Ukrainian internet usage in October increased by 11 per cent, to almost 3.5 million users. Even small businesses try to have a website, not to mention big companies.  And, internet-based newspapers are very popular. During the Orange Revolution in 2004 the internet was one of the few sources of uncensored information. The song “Razom Nas Bahato” (Together We are Many), which became a hymn of the revolution, was first distributed as spam via e-mail.  With the growth of freedom of speech on television and in print newspapers, the internet has lost its monopoly in this regard, but it still remains as the freest information space.

In addition, the internet is widely used as way of communicating: e-mail, forums, text-messaging and chat rooms have become integral parts of life for many at home and work. So far, though, internet-addicted individuals are exceptions rather than the rule.

In the communication field, nothing can compete with mobile phones. According to recent estimates, there are about 40 million cell-phone subscribers in Ukraine. There are two main competitors in the market: Kyivstar (with about 17.7 million subscribers) and UMC (with about 16.4 million). Their closest competitor, life, has only about 4.5 million. UMC, founded in 1992, had only 100,000 subscribers in 1998 and 500,000 by 2001. By 2002, they had a million clients. So, over  14 years, UMC saw a 17-fold increase!

When a few years ago people who visited Europe told stories about families where all members possessed mobile phones, it sounded unbelievable. But now it is normal in Ukraine for each member of a family to have his or her own phone, or even two. Due to numerous promotions many mobile tariffs are cheap, sometimes cheaper than stationary phones. For example, you can call for free to five selected numbers inside a network.    

And, finally, the recent consumer boom has also had a role in the increasing role of technology. Since 2004, average salaries in Ukraine have reached the level where many people can afford ordinary home appliances. Moreover, banks started providing credit, so people can buy appliances on installment plans. Gradually old black-and-white television sets have been replaced by modern colour ones. Automatic washing machines, previously seen only in foreign movies, are found in most homes. The same can be said about microwave ovens, toasters, DVD-players and vacuum-cleaners. The proliferation of home appliances is changing the domestic way of life. For example, washing clothes is now  a “privilege” of not only women and, spending leisure time at home is more common with increasing numbers of home cinemas.

All in all, modern technological achievements play a substantial role in the life of Ukrainians. The internet and mobile phones widened the borders of communication and access to information, both for businesses and individuals. And, as people become satiated with small appliances, they start thinking more readily about a new car or apartment.

Roman Tashleetsky  is a lecturer at the International University for Economics and Humanities in Rivne, Ukraine.