Vodacom to Shut Down 3G Network in South Africa

The telecommunications operator expects to phase out its 3G network within the next 12 to 24 months.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall steel telecommunications mast tower standing in a simplified geometric savanna landscape. — Vodacom plans to decommission its 3G network in South Africa within two years, reallocating spectrum to bolster 4G mobile capacity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the government dictate timelines for shutting down older mobile network technologies?

Vodacom targets the complete shutdown of its 3G network in South Africa within the next 12 to 24 months as it moves to reallocate spectrum for 4G capacity. Operators are currently coordinating a collective transition to ensure they do not lose customers to rivals during the migration.

Why it matters

Switching off legacy 3G infrastructure allows network operators to repurpose spectrum for more efficient 4G traffic capacity. This transition remains market-led following the government's decision to drop a mandatory industry-wide shutdown deadline.

3G devices currently represent slightly below 10 percent of all handsets on Vodacom's South African network. To assist with the transition, the Treasury removed a 9 percent luxury excise duty on smartphones costing under R2 500 in April 2025.

The players

Vodacom

This is a leading African mobile communications company that provides voice, messaging, data, and converged services to millions of customers.

Solly Malatsi

He serves as the Minister of Communications and has advocated for a market-led approach to network technology transitions.

MTN

This is a multinational mobile telecommunications company that operates across Africa and the Middle East.

The details

Operators are planning a collective shutdown date to be announced one year in advance, with plans to stop imports of 3G devices and provide tax benefits on 4G alternatives. MTN has already begun distributing R99 4G smartphones to prepaid customers to accelerate the migration away from older network technologies.

Minister Solly Malatsi stated in November 2024 that the switch-off should be market led.
A 9 percent luxury excise duty on smartphones under R2 500 was removed in April 2025.
MTN began distributing R99 4G smartphones to customers during 2025.
The government formally dropped the 31 December 2027 deadline in July 2025.
The target window for the 3G network shutdown is expected between October 2026 and October 2028.

The Tech Race

This move follows the July 2025 removal of the mandatory 31 December 2027 switch-off deadline by the government. The transition reflects a broader shift toward market-led technology cycles, replacing rigid state-imposed sunsets with competitive corporate timelines.

Customers currently using 3G devices may need to upgrade to 4G handsets to maintain service as Vodacom phases out older infrastructure. Users can look for lower-cost 4G smartphone options, which have become more affordable due to the removal of excise duties.

The takeaway

Users should prepare for a transition to 4G as operators phase out legacy 3G support to improve network speed and capacity. It is recommended that customers with older 3G devices check for current trade-in or affordable upgrade programmes offered by their service providers.