According to MyBroadband, MTN informed some Cape Town customers through a letter about a pilot program to migrate subscribers off 3G within a designated region.
In January 2024, MTN notified concerned customers about the test initiative. The test began early in 2024 and concluded later that year.
MTN stated in the letter:
“In September 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies indicated its intention to phase out 2G and 3G networks,” “Although this process will affect our customers, MTN is committed to ensuring minimal impact in the transition. As a result, MTN will follow a phased approach for the migration.”
“Once the pilot phase is completed, MTN will assess the project before rolling out the 3G migration on a large scale. The 3G transition is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2025,” it explained.
“Parallel to the 3G migration, MTN is assessing the viable dates to migrate users on the 2G network. Engagements to migrate the 2G Network services will be communicated in due course.” Transition to be concluded by year-end MTN told MyBroadband that the 3G switch-off trial was a success and that it would finish moving away from the outdated technology by the end of the year.
“MTN is actively transitioning customers from legacy 2G and 3G networks to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies,” a spokesperson said.
“This strategic migration enhances customer experience and ensures continued investment in modern, efficient networks.” According to MTN, the 2024 pilot included the Milnerton Bloubergstrand neighborhood in Cape Town, the suburbs of Durbanville, and Greater Melkbosstrand.
“The pilot aimed to assess the migration process and optimise future rollouts,” the spokesperson said.
“Following its success, MTN is implementing a phased migration approach, with full transition planned for completion by 31st December 2025. Throughout this process, MTN remains committed to delivering excellent connectivity and minimizing disruption to customers.”
One major challenge to switching off 2G and 3G in South Africa has been the relatively high prices of 4G and 5G devices.
While Vodacom and MTN have attempted to address this issue by introducing affordable 4G and 5G devices, they still prefer that the government not set arbitrary deadlines for phasing out legacy networks.
Source: www.mynigeria.com
