2G networks in South Africa aren’t going anywhere

[Newsfeed]

2G networks in South Africa aren’t going anywhere

While international network operators may consider switching off their 2G and 3G networks in the near future, this is not viable in South Africa.

 

[Ockie]

Delport said it is more likely they will switch off 3G and migrate those clients to LTE before they switch off the 2G network.

Wont happen either. We are selling 3G only usb dongles still.

 

[Sl8er]

So, go ahead South Africa!
Get that new Nokia 3310!
...you'll be able to use it until jesus comes...

 

[supersunbird]

So, go ahead South Africa!
Get that new Nokia 3310!
...you'll be able to use it until jesus comes...

I have not been able to buy one...

 

[Swa]

“I cannot see us switching off 2G even in the long term,” said Vodacom chief technology officer Andries Delport.

He said Vodacom has around 30 million devices active on its network every month, of which 40%-45% are 2G-only.

And you won't either while you don't take steps to replace them.

Vodacom’s head of innovation Jannie van Zyl said that systems like vehicle trackers and point-of-sale devices also rely on 2G networks – and replacing entrenched devices would be a massive undertaking.

Something other countries also dealt with it by setting a deadline 5 years ago.

Delport said it is more likely they will switch off 3G and migrate those clients to LTE before they switch off the 2G network.

A bit of a misnomer as LTE is 3G where 2G is a completely different set of hardware. Also cheap 3G phones will overtake 2G.

 

[Sl8er]

I have not been able to buy one...

Bummer.
Are they just not available here in SA or is this a world wide thing?

 

[supersunbird]

Bummer.
Are they just not available here in SA or is this a world wide thing?

Very few places have them in the first place and they go quickly, and I don't trust the gumtree ones...

 

[Sl8er]

Very few places have them in the first place and they go quickly, and I don't trust the gumtree ones...

I see, I see.
Well, when you do get one, don't forget to give us a mini-review!