of South Africa Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has set September 2024 as the cut-off date for banning type approval of 2G and 3G devices in South Africa only.
Details
The department has published its Next Generation Radio Spectrum Policy, which outlines the shutdown dates for South Africa’s 2G and 3G networks.
What does this mean
The type approval ban will mean that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ISCAS) will no longer approve new 2G and 3G only devices.
The next deadline is the ban on activating 2G and 3G only devices on South African networks, is set for December 31, 2024.
When this deadline expires, mobile network providers in the country will no longer enable such devices on their networks.
After this, South Africa’s mobile network operators will start shutting down their 2G and 3G networks from June 1, 2025. Networks must be completely disabled until December 31, 2027.
What they say
“The start of the shutdown of 2G and 3G services is June 1, 2025. This deadline is intended to allow mobile network operators some level of discretion and for them to decide which network to switch off firstt,β DCDT said.
“Some carriers have indicated that they will begin shutting down 3G in June 2024 policy support.“
“Complete shutdown of 2G and 3G networks scheduled for 31 December 2027“, he added.
Pushback
Telkom said it has already taken steps to phase out 2G connectivity. According to the telco, it still carries a significant portion of its voice traffic over 3G, and disabling this technology 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 of most South Africans.
MTN said it is currently moving customers from 3G to its 4G and 5G networks. However, it expects to finalize the transition of its customers to newer technologies only by the end of 2025.
Source: MyBroadband ZA
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