By 
MTN South Africa has officially announced plans to fully decommission its 3G network by 2027, marking a strategic move to accelerate the adoption of next-generation mobile technologies across the country.
Speaking at MTN’s headquarters in Johannesburg on 29 May 2025, CEO Charles Molapisi confirmed that the process is already in motion. The company has begun shutting down isolated 3G sites where 4G coverage is sufficiently robust to ensure uninterrupted service.
The decision aligns with MTN’s broader network modernisation strategy and is underpinned by its significant 5G infrastructure rollout. The telecom giant currently operates over 4,000 live 5G sites, reaching approximately 44% of South Africa’s population, with plans to expand that coverage to more than 60% by the end of 2025.
“This transition is not just about turning off older technology—it’s about creating a more efficient, higher-quality network experience for all South Africans,” said Molapisi.
While the 3G phase-out progresses, MTN has committed to maintaining its 2G network to support low-bandwidth, always-on applications such as smart meters, security systems, and other machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. This ensures continued service for essential Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices that do not yet require higher speeds.
For consumers and businesses, the retirement of 3G promises enhanced mobile performance, including improved video calling, faster downloads, and greater network reliability.
The move is part of a broader industry trend as telecom operators worldwide reallocate spectrum and resources from legacy networks to power the future of connectivity through 4G, 5G, and beyond.
Comments