South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has set September 2024 as the deadline for prohibiting the type approval of 2G and 3G-only devices in South Africa.
Details
The department published the Next-Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum policy which outlines the shutdown dates for South Africa’s 2G and 3G networks.
What This Means
The prohibition of type approval will mean that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ISCAS) will no longer type-approve new 2G and 3G-only devices.
The next deadline is the prohibition of activating 2G and 3G-only devices on South African networks, set for 31 December 2024.
When this deadline hits, mobile network operators in the country will no longer activate such devices on their networks.
After that, South African mobile network operators will begin shutting down their 2G and 3G networks from 1 June 2025. The networks must be completely switched off by 31 December 2027.
What They’re Saying
“The commencement for the shutdown of the 2G and 3G services is 1 June 2025. This deadline is meant to allow mobile network operators some level of discretion and for them to decide which network to switch off first,” the DCDT said.
“Some operators have indicated that they will commence with the shut down of 3G in June 2024 in support of the policy.”
“The total shutdown of the 2G and 3G networks is scheduled for 31 December 2027,” it added.
Pushback
Telkom said it had already taken steps to phase out 2G connectivity. According to the telecom company, it still carries a significant portion of voice traffic on 3G, and switching this technology off in an unmanaged manner will have an impact on its customers.
They also argued that 4G and 5G devices will keep them out of reach for most South Africans.
MTN stated that it is currently migrating customers from its 3G to its 4G and 5G networks. However, it anticipates that it will only finalise the transitioning of its customers to newer technologies by the end of 2025.
Source: MyBroadband ZA
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