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MTN South Africa will decommission its legacy 3G mobile network by 2027 as part of a nationwide programme to embrace faster and newer technologies such as 4G and 5G.
During a briefing at the company’s Johannesburg headquarters on 29 May 2025, MTN Chief Executive Charles Molapasi revealed that the rollout has already begun. Early shutdowns have begun at selected sites where 4G infrastructure is developed enough for smooth service.
The rollout is part of MTN’s wider strategy to expand its network and grow its 5G coverage. The operator has over 4,000 live 5G sites, covering around 44% of South Africa’s population. It aims to increase that number by more than 60% by the end of 2025.
This isn’t merely about phasing out legacy technology,” Molapisi said. “It’s about building a faster, more efficient network for all South Africans.”
As 3G is phased down, MTN has indicated it will keep its 2G network alive as a legacy service for low-data use. These include life-critical services such as smart metering, alarm systems, and machine-to-machine messages.
For customers, 3G exit provides tangible gains: clearer video calls, increased downloads, and seamless mobile performance.
MTN’s decision is a worldwide trend as cellular carriers shift bandwidth and investment away from legacy systems to next-generation technologies. With 4G and 5G ushering in an era of digital innovation, 3G’s future is short-lived.
