MTN subscribers in South Africa are bracing up for the end of 3G

If you're still holding on to your 3G device, it's time to upgrade. South African technology giant MTN is phasing out its 3G network, and by December 31, 2025, it'll be a thing of the past. No, it isn't a sudden move since the company has been testing the waters in several Cape Town neighborhoods, and the results have been promising.

The pilot project, which kicked off in early 2024, covered areas like Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, and Milnerton Bloubergstrand. After assessing the project's success, MTN decided to move forward with the large-scale 3G migration in South Africa, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

What this means is that users in these areas can expect faster speeds, better call quality, and more reliable connections as MTN transitions to 4G and 5G networks. We learn that it is part of a broader plan to phase out 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2027, announced by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies back in 2022.

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TechloyEmmanuel Oyedeji

Now, before you panic about losing your connection mid-scroll, MTN promises this isn’t going to be a jarring experience. It will do it in phases to make sure no one’s left in a digital limbo. The goal is to migrate everyone smoothly to 4G and 5G networks. Think of it as upgrading from a feature phone to a smartphone.

As part of this transition, MTN and Vodacom have introduced affordable devices to ease the migration. MTN’s Icon 5G, launched in November 2024, is priced at R2,499 ($135). Vodacom, on the other hand, launched the Mobicel S4, a 4G-enabled cloud-based phone, in September 2024 for just R199 ($10.75).

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While MTN's going ahead with shutting down 3G, the government through its communications regulator, ICASA, is checking out the economic impact, so that no one gets left behind without decent 4G or 5G before they switch off the older networks.

On its part, the Communications Minister is planning to work with the Treasury to bring down the cost of 4G and 5G phones, which could be pricey. He believes that getting rid of some taxes on cheaper phones should make them much more affordable.

As South Africans prepare for what might be the end of an era for 3G, it's also the start of something faster, better, and more reliable.

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