Changes for South African 2G and 3G switch-off
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has confirmed that there will no longer be a formal deadline for South Africa’s mobile networks to shut down their 2G and 3G networks.
Presenting before Parliament on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the department said it would monitor the process, but added that there was no set timeline for sunsetting the legacy networks.
Former minister Mondli Gungubele had previously set a revised deadline of December 2027 to switch off both technologies.
However, he received backlash from industry stakeholders concerned over many South Africans being left behind without devices that support newer technologies.
Mobile network operators (MNOs) had also raised concerns over the affordability of devices supporting 4G and 5G connectivity.
According to Ndinannyi Libago, the communication department’s acting deputy director-general for administration, the ball is now in the operators’ court.
“We will work with the MNOs in terms of this sun-setting,” he told Parliament.
“We look at their implementation plans to see which 2G or 3G sites they are switching off. This is dependent on the MNOs. Hence, we put it as monitoring.”
It insisted that it would no longer dictate when MNOs should switch off their 2G and 3G networks. The operators will make this decision based on when it makes sense for them to switch off their towers.
The department was presenting its five-year strategic plan and annual performance plan before the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies.
“The programme will oversee the implementation of the roadmap for sunsetting 2G/3G networks to facilitate the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies,” the annual performance plan reads.
“The implementation of the roadmap for sunsetting 2G and 3G networks will ensure a smooth transition to 4G and 5G technologies, increasing digital adoption.”
It adds that the transition will enhance connectivity for users and support the expansion of high-speed Internet across South Africa.
“The programme will monitor the implementation of this roadmap to ensure that industry stakeholders comply with transition guidelines,” the annual performance plan reads.
The table below summarises the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ quarterly targets for the 2G/3G switch-off project.
| Output indicator | Monitored sun-setting of 2G and/or 3G network |
|---|---|
| Annual target (2025/26) | Sunsetting of the 2G and/or 3G network in line with the next generation spectrum policy monitored |
| Q1 | Development of the monitoring framework for sunsetting of the 2G and/or 3G networks |
| Q2 | Consultation with the relevant mobile network operators to establish a monitoring framework on the sunsetting of the 2G and/or 3G networks |
| Q3 | Sunsetting of the 2G and/or 3G networking in line with the next generation spectrum policy to be monitored |
| Q4 | Sunsetting of the 2G and/or 3G networking in line with the next generation spectrum policy to be monitored |
MTN and Vodacom selling affordable 4G and 5G devices
South Africa’s two biggest MNOs, MTN and Vodacom, have launched devices and initiatives to offer their customers affordable access to 4G and 5G-capable devices.
In its latest move, MTN launched an initiative through which it plans to sell 1.2 million affordable 4G-enabled smartphones to its prepaid customers.
The project began in May 2025, with the operator offering 5,000 select customers an Itel AC51 smartphone for R99. The device carries a recommended retail price of R750.
The second phase, which MTN said was concluding in late June 2025, saw the mobile operator offer affordable 4G smartphones to over 130,000 customers nationwide.
In the project’s third phase, it plans to extend the offer to 1.1 million MTN prepaid customers. However, MTN hasn’t specified which devices will be available in the second and third phases.
“The initiative aligns with MTN’s work to provide affordable and accessible services to all South Africans,” MTN stated.
“By giving customers access to 4G smartphones, MTN is empowering them to fully engage in the digital economy, with a focus on education, work, healthcare and communication.”
In November 2024, the network operator launched the Icon 5G, a 5G-enabled smartphone priced at R2,499 on prepaid.
Customers can also purchase the device on a contract, with prices starting at R209 per month over three years or R229 per month over two years.
“This is another significant step in our mission to ensure that all South Africans have access to fast, reliable, and affordable mobile communication, regardless of their economic background,” MTN said.
In September 2024, Vodacom unveiled the Mobicel S4 cloud-based phone. It said the device would provide low-income earners a “smartphone lite” experience and 4G connectivity.
“Vodacom South Africa has introduced a cloud-based phone, to reduce the cost of smartphone access in the country and to accelerate the migration of customers from legacy networks to modern 4G,” it said.
The handset launched at R249, offering users access to applications like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook via the cloud. It packs 48MB of RAM and 128MB of storage, a 2.8-inch display, and a 1,000mAh battery.
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