IoT connectivity in South Africa
Updated
In South Africa, we have not yet found a reliable source on permanent roaming. Of the 4 mobile operators we track there, 2 have switched off 2G and 1 3G, as of 26 October 2026. Sources are listed below each table.
Permanent roaming
No reliable source found yet. See how we search in the permanent roaming guide.
2G and 3G shutdowns by operator
| Operator | Network | Status | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell C | 2G | Switched off | 2023 | wirelesslogic.com Wireless Logic says Cell C decommissioned its own radio network in 2023 and now roams on MTN and Vodacom; 2G for Cell C SIMs therefore depends on host networks (national target end-2027). No Cell C confirmation found. |
| Cell C | 3G | Switched off | 2023 | wirelesslogic.com Wireless Logic says Cell C decommissioned its own radio network in 2023 and relies on MTN/Vodacom roaming; 3G for Cell C SIMs follows host networks and the national end-2027 target. No Cell C confirmation found. |
| MTN | 2G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | connectingafrica.com, wirelesslogic.com In June 2024 the DCDT gazetted a proposed total 2G and 3G shutdown by 31 Dec 2027, after operators criticized the earlier 2022 timelines as unachievable; the final policy direction was to follow consultation with ICASA and industry. Wireless Logic says MTN keeps 2G running beyond 3G to support M2M devices, on an operator-led timeline within the national target. |
| MTN | 3G | Planned | 31 December 2025 | developingtelecoms.com, telecomreviewafrica.com Sources conflict: in Feb 2025 MTN was reported to bring its 3G switch-off forward from end-2026 to 31 Dec 2025 after a Cape Town pilot, while another report the next day describes a gradual phase-out targeting end-2026, depending on device availability. The 2025 date has passed without confirmation found. Kore lists both 31 Dec 2025 and 31 Dec 2026; emnify lists 31 Dec 2027. |
| Telkom | 2G | Switched off | none | wirelesslogic.com, emnify.com Wireless Logic says Telkom has already turned off 2G and carries no 2G traffic; emnify lists Telkom 2G as no service. Switch-off date not given. |
| Telkom | 3G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | connectingafrica.com, emnify.com In June 2024 the DCDT gazetted a proposed total 2G and 3G shutdown by 31 Dec 2027, after operators criticized the earlier 2022 timelines as unachievable; the final policy direction was to follow consultation with ICASA and industry. emnify lists Telkom 3G for 31 Dec 2027. |
| Vodacom | 2G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | connectingafrica.com, emnify.com In June 2024 the DCDT gazetted a proposed total 2G and 3G shutdown by 31 Dec 2027, after operators criticized the earlier 2022 timelines as unachievable; the final policy direction was to follow consultation with ICASA and industry. emnify lists Vodacom 2G for 31 Dec 2027. |
| Vodacom | 3G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | connectingafrica.com, emnify.com In June 2024 the DCDT gazetted a proposed total 2G and 3G shutdown by 31 Dec 2027, after operators criticized the earlier 2022 timelines as unachievable; the final policy direction was to follow consultation with ICASA and industry. emnify lists Vodacom 3G for 31 Dec 2027. |
What it means for IoT devices in South Africa
- 2G still runs on some networks, but plan new devices on 4G-based technologies (LTE Cat-1bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where available): 2G is being closed across the region.
- 3G is already gone on 1 network: devices that fall back to 3G will lose service there.
- Private delivery works the same from South Africa: device data reaches your cloud over private links. See private delivery.
Other countries in Africa
Full tables: permanent roaming rules by country and 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is 2G switched off in South Africa?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. Cell C: switched off (2023); MTN: planned for 2027-12-31; Telkom: switched off; Vodacom: planned for 2027-12-31.
When is 3G switched off in South Africa?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. Cell C: switched off (2023); MTN: planned for 2025-12-31; Telkom: planned for 2027-12-31; Vodacom: planned for 2027-12-31.