In a move to upgrade its
cellular infrastructure, South Africa has initiated the process of shutting
down its outdated 2G and 3G networks. The first step in this transition is the
prohibition of licensing new 2G devices, effective June 2023, followed by a ban
on new 2G connections and activations in December 2023. The 2G network is
expected to be completely shut down by the first half of 2024, with the 3G
network following suit by March 2025.
This move aims to free up
valuable spectrum for 4G and 5G services, aligning with the country's goal to
enhance its mobile network capabilities. The South African government had
initially planned to impose an import ban on 2G devices by February 2023 but
revised the timeline.
While this upgrade is
expected to bring advancements, concerns arise regarding the potential impact
on essential systems that still rely on 2G and 3G networks, such as
machine-to-machine and IoT applications. Moreover, the high cost of 4G and
5G-compatible devices may hinder widespread adoption.
Despite these challenges,
South Africa is predicted to lead the adoption rate in sub-Saharan Africa, with
an estimated 11 million 5G subscribers by 2025, according to Ericsson's
"Mobility Report".
As the country navigates
this transition, it is crucial to address the concerns and ensure a seamless
migration to newer technologies, minimizing disruptions to critical systems and
services.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
