Do Ukrainian and European RTK Networks Work Stably Across the Entire Field? Are Interruptions Common?

Short Answer: Modern RTK networks provide stable field coverage with accuracy up to 2 cm, however signal interruptions can occur. The main cause is not the RTK systems themselves, but the quality of mobile internet (3G/4G) through which correction data is transmitted. In conditions of weak mobile coverage, temporary connection losses are possible, especially in remote areas or during load on operators' base stations.

How RTK Works and What Affects Stability

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a precise positioning technology that uses a network of base GNSS stations to improve standard GPS accuracy from several metres to 1-2 centimetres. Each base station is installed at fixed coordinates and continuously processes satellite signals, transmitting correction data to machinery in the field.

Key point: RTK corrections are transmitted via standard mobile internet (GPRS, 3G, 4G). Even minimal bandwidth is sufficient for operation, as the data volume is small. However, connection stability is critically important - without it, the system cannot receive correction data in real time.

The Real Coverage Situation in Ukraine

According to 2024 data, over 3,400 new mobile communication base stations were built in Ukraine, and 4G coverage was provided to 809 settlements. Kyivstar showed the best results in the second half of 2024 with coverage of 36.18 points according to Speedtest data.

Several providers operate RTK systems:

Kyivstar mAgri.RTK - the largest commercial network with 97 RTK base stations on Trimble equipment with round-the-clock monitoring. Provides accuracy up to 2.5 cm and supports xFill Premium technology for uninterrupted operation even during temporary signal loss.

System.NET - a nationwide geodetic network with over 320 RTK stations united into a single system. The operator is a joint Swiss-Ukrainian company "System Solutions", built on Leica Geosystems technologies. The network serves approximately 3,000 users and provides services with accuracy up to 2 cm.

Other providers - GeoMeter (over 120 base stations integrated into System.NET), IVI-net and private networks of major agricultural holdings.

A single base station provides coverage within a radius of up to 50 km and can simultaneously serve up to 300 units of machinery. Network solutions add reliability - when one station is unavailable for technical reasons, the system automatically switches to another.

Why Signal Interruptions Occur

Practice shows three main causes of RTK signal loss:

1. Weak Mobile Coverage In Ukrainian conditions, this is the most common problem. In certain areas, 3G/4G signal is unstable or absent. Positioning is only possible where there is GSM/GPRS signal or the possibility of connection through other internet channels.

2. Operator Network Overload During blackouts or peak hours, the load on base stations increases, which can lead to connection loss even in areas of normal coverage.

3. Terrain Obstacles Dense development, forests, complex terrain can block both satellite signal and mobile internet. RTK provides quality signal reception even with obstacles present, but requires a stable internet connection.

Technological Solutions for Uninterrupted Operation

Modern RTK systems have protection against interruptions:

Network Solutions - System.NET supports functions from single base station (nearest) and network solutions (Automax, I-Max, VRS). The system automatically calculates the nearest RTK stations and forms a cluster of several base stations to increase reliability.

xFill Premium from Trimble - technology that allows machinery to continue working without failures even during temporary RTK signal loss. Available in the Kyivstar mAgri.RTK network.

Accuracy Stability - network solutions provide stable result accuracy across the entire coverage area, practically independent of distance to the base station. When working with direct connection to the base station, error changes at a rate of 1 mm per 1 km distance from the station.

For users, it is important to check internet quality before starting work. This will help assess not only speed but also response time, critically important for real-time operation.

Pricing and Economics of Use

Approximate cost of connecting to RTK networks in Ukraine (data from various sources):

• Annual Kyivstar mAgri subscription - from 12,500 UAH with discount
• Three-year mAgri 1095 subscription - 47,000 UAH
• Monthly and quarterly packages from various providers
• System.NET - subscriptions for geodesy and agriculture

This is much more profitable than building your own base station (from 200,000 hryvnias initial costs plus maintenance). Payback for farms over 500 hectares is approximately 1 year due to savings on fuel (up to 15% less costs per hectare), fertilisers and increased yields. Accuracy between rows up to 5 cm allows reducing pass overlap to 0.33%.

Conclusion: What Farmers Need to Know

RTK networks in Ukraine and Europe provide stable coverage for precision farming. Interruptions are possible, but not due to RTK technology itself - it works reliably. The problem lies in mobile internet quality on the specific field.

Before connecting, it is recommended to:

• Check coverage of all mobile operators on your fields
• Choose a provider with network solutions and round-the-clock support
• Ensure stable GSM/GPRS signal presence in working areas
• If possible, choose a package with interruption protection technology (xFill)

According to Ukrainian providers' data, most users work without significant problems after proper equipment setup and appropriate tariff selection. The key success factor is quality mobile coverage in the working area.