This decision follows a pilot project conducted in Cape Town aimed at transitioning customers away from 3G within a designated area.
“In September 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies indicated its intention to phase out 2G and 3G networks,” MTN said in a letter addressed to customers who were part of the pilot.
“Although this process will affect our customers, MTN is committed to ensuring minimal impact in the transition. As a result, MTN will follow a phased approach for the migration.”
Affected customers were informed about the pilot project in January 2024.
“Upon completion of the pilot phase, MTN will evaluate the results before proceeding with a broader rollout of the 3G migration,” the company clarified.
“In conjunction with the 3G transition, MTN is also reviewing potential timelines for migrating users from the 2G network. Further communications regarding the 2G migration will be provided in due course.”
In response to inquiries about the 3G switch-off pilot, MTN confirmed to MyBroadband that the initiative was successful and that the transition from the outdated technology would be finalized by the end of the year.
“MTN is actively transitioning customers from legacy 2G and 3G networks to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies,” a spokesperson said.
“This strategic migration enhances customer experience and ensures continued investment in modern, efficient networks.”
The 2024 pilot encompassed areas such as Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, various suburbs in Cape Town, and the Milnerton Bloubergstrand regions.
“The pilot aimed to assess the migration process and optimise future rollouts,” the spokesperson said.
“Following its success, MTN is implementing a phased migration approach, with full transition planned for completion by 31st December 2025. Throughout this process, MTN remains committed to delivering excellent connectivity and minimising disruption to customers.”
Former communications minister Mondli Gungubele had set some deadlines for South Africa to move away from 2G and 3G networks, but those plans are now on hold while the industry has discussions.
Current communications minister Solly Malatsi recently informed Parliament that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) is looking into the economic effects of shutting down these older networks to lessen any negative impact.
This process includes getting feedback from private companies and figuring out which regions still don’t have 4G and 5G service, as people in those areas would be left out of the loop.
Malatsi mentioned that South Africa will only think about turning off the older networks after this assessment is done.
One big hurdle in shutting down 2G and 3G is the relatively high cost of 4G and 5G devices.
Vodacom and MTN are trying to address this by rolling out more affordable 4G and 5G devices, but they’d rather the government not impose strict deadlines for phasing out the older networks.
In September 2024, Vodacom introduced a budget-friendly 4G cloud phone, the Mobicel S4, priced at just R199, which they claim offers a “smartphone lite” experience.
MyBroadband recently tested this device and found it surprisingly functional for the price.
MTN also joined the fray with the Icon 5G in November 2024, providing an affordable option for a 5G smartphone.
At R2,499, the Icon 5G features a 6.6-inch display, 128GB of storage, a 50MP rear camera, and a 5,000mAh battery.
Meanwhile, Malatsi expressed his desire to lower the prices of 4G and 5G smartphones by collaborating with the National Treasury to eliminate ad valorem taxes on entry-level devices.
“We are not saying remove all the associated luxury goods taxes on smart devices, but have a threshold,” Malatsi told MyBroadband.