03 September 2024

The Association of Communications and Technology wants the South African government to lift its deadline for shutting down the country’s 2G and 3G networks. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) wants both to be switched off by 31 December 2027.

However, many South African residents and businesses, including the state-owned rail, port, and pipeline company Transnet, still rely on these older technologies. The Association of Communications and Technology’s CEO says South Africans must be aligned regarding phasing out 2G and 3G. The organisation is calling for a massive public awareness campaign instead of just a closedown date.

The plan to shut down 2G and 3G aims to free up valuable resources for newer technologies, but there are apparently fears that a switch-off could harm essential systems and leave many South Africans without access to cellular communication.

A spokesperson from Vodacom told local media that 2G and 3G terminal sales still comprise a large portion of the market; and it hopes that regulator ICASA will work with the industry to develop a practical schedule for sunsetting of legacy technologies during its feasibility study.

The challenging economic conditions in South Africa, coupled with high taxation on 4G and 5G smartphones, are driving continuing demand for 2G and 3G devices. Several million remain active on South African networks. Many machine-to-machine and Internet of Things (IoT) devices also use the older technologies.