MTN shutting down 3G

MTN has successfully tested shutting down its 3G network in several Cape Town neighbourhoods and says it is on track to switch off the legacy technology by 31 December 2026.

MyBroadband has seen a letter in which MTN notified certain Cape Town customers that it was conducting a pilot to migrate subscribers off 3G within a ring-fenced area.

MTN informed affected customers about the pilot project in January 2024. The test began early in 2024 and ended later that year.

“In September 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies indicated its intention to phase out 2G and 3G networks,” MTN said in its letter.

“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.”

“Once the pilot phase is completed, MTN will assess the project before rolling out the 3G migration on a large scale. The 3G transition is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2025,” it explained.

“Parallel to the 3G migration, MTN is assessing the viable dates to migrate users on the 2G network. Engagements to migrate the 2G Network services will be communicated in due course.”

Asked for details about the 3G switch-off pilot, MTN confirmed to MyBroadband that it was a success and that it would complete the transition away from the legacy technology 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.”

MTN said the 2024 pilot included Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, Cape Town suburbs, and the Milnerton Bloubergstrand areas in Cape Town.

“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.”

While former communications minister Mondli Gungubele set deadlines for South Africa’s migration from 2G and 3G, these have effectively been suspended in favour of industry consultations.

Current communications minister Solly Malatsi recently told Parliament that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) is conducting an economic impact assessment to minimise the impact of the switch-off.

This involves gathering input from private sector players and determining which areas of the country still lack 4G and 5G coverage, as residents of these areas would be left behind.

Malatsi said South Africa would only consider turning off the legacy networks once the assessment is complete.

One major obstacle to switching off 2G and 3G in South Africa was the relatively high prices of 4G and 5G devices.

While Vodacom and MTN have made an effort to tackle this problem by launching affordable 4G and 5G devices, they would still prefer that government not set arbitrary deadlines for a legacy network switch-off.

Vodacom launched a 4G-enabled cloud-based phone, the Mobicel S4, in September 2024. Priced at just R199, the mobile operator said the device provides a “smartphone lite” experience.

MyBroadband recently tested the device and was impressed by the functionality it offers for its price point.

MTN launched the Icon 5G in November 2024, offering an affordable entry price for a 5G-enabled smartphone.

Priced at R2,499, the Icon 5G offers a 6.6-inch display, 128GB of storage, a 50MP primary camera on the rear, and a 5,000mAh battery.

At the same time, Malatsi has said that he would like to reduce the price of 4G and 5G smartphones by working with National Treasury to scrap 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.