The pace of shutting down 2G and 3G wireless networks in Africa has picked up as mobile network operators roll out switch-off plans and the adoption of high speed networks rises.
Retiring legacy networks offers Africa – the continent with the largest young and tech savvy population in the world – presents huge possibilities to unlock opportunities in an internet economy that is estimated to be worth US$180 billion by 2025 – over 5% of Africa’s economy.
South African operators have been front-runners in the switch-off of legacy network on the continent, having mooted the plan some three years ago and with initial projections of a switch-off by March 2025.
Today, the country still leads the continent with highest number of mobile operators that have announced plans or have begun shutting down older and much slower networks.
In mid-February, MTN South Africa informed its subscribers that it plans to conclude its phased pilot program by December 2025 and fully phase out 3G by 2026, depending on the availability of compatible devices.
Currently, the company is running a consumer awareness campaign through its website and contact centers to guide subscribers on how to determine if they need a SIM card swap, use 4G-compliant mobile phones, and enable the 4G settings on their current devices.
“If your device does not support the 4G LTE network, it will continue to work on the 3G network up until December 31, 2026. After this, your service will be suspended without billing and you will lose network connection, starting on the day before the first day of your December 2026 bill cycle,” said MTN on its website.
The operator began the piloting process in early 2024 in the Western Cape.
“Please be aware that when the network is gradually decommissioned by region, you may lose connectivity in some locations. It’s best to replace your device before the decommission date to guarantee that you remain connected,” MTN advised its subscribers.
KORE, a Global Internet of Things(IoT) Solutions provider, lists other operators like Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C among those that plan to shut down both 2G and 3G networks by close of 2027.
In Nigeria, MTN has released a shut-down date for legacy networks, with planned switch off of 2G network by December 2025.
While the timeline shows that Nigeria’s third largest telco by subscriber base, Globacom, completely shut down both 2G and 3G networks in Ghana by 2022, there is no update for the network’s closures in Nigeria.
In all these markets, however there are caveats that the timelines may change upon outcomes from consultations between operators and governments in these countries.
Vodafone expects to shut down legacy networks in Ghana and Egypt by 2030, according to the timeline.
A 2024 Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) report on 2G and 3G switch-off said a rise in production and adoption of newer 4G and 5G-powered technologies will accelerate the pace of legacy network shutdowns.
“The rising number of 4G and 5G devices and adoption of newer technologies will see a slowing rate of adoption and use of 2G and 3G, furthering the need for operators and countries to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G upgrades. As a result, we can expect to see new operators announce plans to turn off their 2G and 3G technologies,” according to the report.
The projections back a trend that has also been forecast by a number of key industry reports.
According to GSMA 3G’s share of connections will fall below 50% in 2025, while 2G adoption will decline under 10%, 4G connections will almost double between 2022 and 2030 to represent nearly half of the total, overtaking 3G by the end of 2027 on continued network upgrades and better device affordability expected to drive this surge.
Technology research and advisory firm, Omdia in its regional outlook report forecasts that Africa’s total of 5G subscriptions will reach 427 million in 2029, compared to just 20 million in 2024. 5G penetration rate in the continent will thus grow from 1.4% in 2024 to 25.6% by 2029.
Omdia says 5G penetration will be driven by developments in pioneer 5G market like South Africa which will experience a tenfold growth and new markets like Egypt where mobile operators like Vodafone, Telecom and Orange have been issued with 5G licences giving them a head start to roll out the high speed network.
The research projects that by 2029, 4G and 5G networks will account for 80% of total mobile subscriptions, with 2G and 3G penetration rates seen falling below 10% and 20% respectively.
Conrad Onyango, bird story agency.
