The Shutdown (Sunsetting) of 2G/3G Networks in South Africa

In South Africa, the mobile telecommunications industry is undergoing a critical transition: the sunsetting of legacy 2G and 3G networks. The motivation is clear — freeing spectrum and support for more efficient technologies such as 4G and 5G, responding to rising data demand, and reducing the cost of maintaining older network layers. However, the path to full retirement of 2G/3G is neither simple nor uniform, and stakeholders (operators, regulators, enterprises, consumers) face a complex mix of technological, commercial and social challenges. In this blog I summarise the national policy context, what the major operators are doing (with a focus on MTN South Africa and Vodacom South Africa), what it all means for users (especially businesses and IoT/M2M) — and key actions to take now.

The National Landscape – Policy & Regulatory Framework

South Africa’s regulator and government have set out goals and deadlines (though with flexibility) for the retirement of 2G and 3G: The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) previously proposed a national deadline of 31 December 2027 for the full shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. (mybroadband.co.za) Key milestones published include: Prohibition of type‑approval of devices that support only 2G and/or 3G by 30 September 2024. (connectingafrica.com) Prohibition of activation of new 2G/3G‑only devices on networks by 31 December 2024. (mybroadband.co.za) Commencement of phased shutdown from around 1 June 2025. (connectingafrica.com) Importantly: as of mid‑2025, the government has signalled that it will no longer impose a rigid mandatory deadline for each operator’s shut‑off. Instead, each mobile network operator (MNO) may determine the timing of its legacy network retirement based on readiness. (techcentral.co.za) The motive: Legacy networks such as 2G and 3G consume valuable spectrum (especially sub‑1 GHz bands) which could be refarmed for 4G/LTE and 5G to deliver higher capacity and better services. (connectingafrica.com) The challenge: Many consumers, especially in low‑income and rural areas, and many enterprise/IoT devices rely on 2G/3G networks, and device affordability/compatibility remain a concern. (developingtelecoms.com) Thus, while the end‑game (2G/3G sunset) is broadly accepted, the timing and sequencing remain flexible and dependent on operator readiness and stakeholder migration.

Operator Plans: MTN & Vodacom

Here’s a look at how the two largest mobile operators in South Africa are approaching the transition.

MTN South Africa

MTN has publicly stated its goal to shut down 3G by the end of 2026. (mybroadband.co.za) For 2G, MTN has indicated a more extended timeframe. One source notes: “We envisage that legacy devices relying on 2G services will take longer to migrate and hence that migration is planned in a phased approach within a three‑year period after the 3G shutdown.” (mybroadband.co.za) MTN’s support pages confirm the 3G shutdown target: “Our goal … is to shut it down by 31 December 2026.” (mtn.co.za) MTN is also actively encouraging migration by offering low‑cost smartphones to its prepaid base in anticipation of the legacy shutdown. (connectingafrica.com) Analyst commentary flags that although 3G is being targeted, 2G remains highly used (especially in low‑cost devices and rural areas), meaning the “cliff face” for 2G will require careful handling. (rethinkresearch.biz) Summary for MTN: 3G phase‑out by end 2026 appears relatively firm. 2G will be phased later, in stages, subject to device migration, market readiness, and spectrum refarming.

Vodacom South Africa

Vodacom has indicated support for a migration away from 2G/3G, but has not publicly locked into a precise nationwide date. Vodacom has advocated for an “industry‑led timeline” due to complexity of legacy devices still in use. (mybroadband.co.za) One earlier source suggested Vodacom intended to turn off 2G first, with an indicative start of migration from around 2025 and possibly 3G earlier (though this appears to have been repositioned). (hugeconnect.co.za) Vodacom emphasises the need to manage migration of “several million” legacy 2G/3G devices and machine‑to‑machine (M2M/IoT) connections. (mybroadband.co.za) Summary for Vodacom: While actively preparing for legacy network phase‑out, Vodacom retains flexibility on timing and appears to focus first on device migration, spectrum readiness and voice/data continuity before committing to an exact shut‑off date.

Conclusion: What It Means for Consumers and Businesses

The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks in South Africa marks a major step forward in the evolution of mobile connectivity — but it also comes with real implications for consumers and businesses. As operators like MTN and Vodacom move to refarm spectrum and retire legacy infrastructure, older devices and systems that rely solely on 2G or 3G will eventually lose connectivity.

For consumers, this means it’s time to check whether your phone or connected devices (like security systems, panic buttons, or older SIM-based trackers) are 4G or 5G compatible. If not, upgrading now will ensure uninterrupted service once legacy networks are switched off. Many operators are offering trade-in programmes and affordable smartphone deals to help with the transition.

For businesses and IoT users, the impact could be even greater. Machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT devices — from point-of-sale terminals to logistics trackers — often still use 2G/3G connectivity. Companies should start auditing their hardware now, identify affected assets, and work with their network providers on migration plans. Early planning will prevent service disruptions, reduce downtime, and help manage the costs of upgrading large device fleets.

Ultimately, the 2G/3G sunset is an opportunity to modernise and future-proof connectivity. Acting early ensures a smoother, more cost-effective migration — and positions users to benefit from faster, more efficient 4G and 5G networks.

⚠️ Action Required

Check your devices: If your phone, IoT device, or business system only supports 2G or 3G, it will stop working once these networks are shut down. Start upgrading to 4G or 5G-compatible equipment now to avoid service interruptions.

Need help? Contact your mobile provider or IT partner to confirm your device compatibility and explore available upgrade or trade-in options.