2G and 3G switch-off in South Africa
Quick answer
2G in South Africa: Reported at 1 of 3 operators, 2029. Some operators plan to close 3G in 2026, and others have no date: Vodacom says its 3G could end in 12 to 24 months, with no date set. MTN's 2G is reported to close by the end of 2029, and no other operator has announced a date.
3GPlanned at some operators, 2026
2GReported at 1 of 3 operators, 2029
Operators
Checked 1 November 2026.
Dates are set by each operator and can change. Check with us before you plan around them.
| Operator | 3G | 2G |
|---|---|---|
| MTN South Africa | Planned, 31 December 2026 | Reported, by end of 2029 (MyBroadband) |
| Vodacom | Vodacom says 3G could end in 12 to 24 months (TechCentral, 28 October 2026); no date set | No date announced |
| Telkom | No date announced | Not confirmed |
Details
- MTN South Africa 3G. MTN says it aims to have 3G shut down by this date, to free spectrum for 4G and 5G. MTN South Africa
- MTN South Africa 2G. MTN's CEO said 2G will not be fully switched off for now, because M2M devices such as security gates, vehicle trackers and card machines still rely on it. ITWeb (quoting MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi)
- Vodacom 3G. Vodacom said in May 2026 that 3G is more likely to be switched off before 2G, because demand for 3G is lower and most 3G devices can fall back to 2G; it gave no date. TechCentral (quoting Vodacom spokesman Byron Kennedy)
- Vodacom 2G. Vodacom said in May 2026 that demand for 2G on its network is higher than for 3G, so 2G is likely to outlast 3G; it gave no date. TechCentral (quoting Vodacom spokesman Byron Kennedy)
- Telkom 3G. Telkom says its next phase will be to decommission 3G and expand 5G as the technology matures, without giving a date. Telkom SA SOC Ltd
- MTN South Africa 2G. MyBroadband reported MTN's plan to close 2G by the end of 2029; no operator notice yet. MyBroadband
- Vodacom 3G. TechCentral reported on 28 October 2026 that Vodacom says South Africa could switch off 3G within 12 to 24 months; no date set. TechCentral
Regulator and government
- The Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy (Government Gazette 50725, 28 May 2024) gives preliminary dates: no type approval of 2G/3G-only devices from 30 September 2024, no activation from 31 December 2024, shutdown to start on 1 June 2025 and finish by 31 December 2027. ICASA is to set the final sequence and dates after an economic and regulatory impact assessment. Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Government Gazette No. 50725
What this means for your devices
Each SIM profile has its own page, showing where it works and what it supports.
Common questions
When does 2G switch off in South Africa?
Reported at 1 of 3 operators, 2029.
Is 3G still working in South Africa?
Planned at some operators, 2026.
Sources
- When will MTN completely shut down the 3G Network?, MTN South Africa
- MTN starts 'collapsing' its 3G network in SA, ITWeb (quoting MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi)
- Why 2G will outlast 3G in South Africa, TechCentral (quoting Vodacom spokesman Byron Kennedy)
- Integrated Report for the year ended 31 March 2024, Telkom SA SOC Ltd
- MTN 2G and 3G shutdown plan, MyBroadband
- Vodacom: 3G switch-off could come within two years, TechCentral
- Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy for Economic Development, Annexure A, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Government Gazette No. 50725
Checked 1 November 2026. Dates move, so check the operator’s own notice before you plan a change.