MTN, South Africa: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
MTN plans to switch off 2G on 31 December 2027 and plans to switch off 3G on 31 December 2025, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in South Africa.
2G and 3G status at MTN
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | medium | 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. |
| 3G | Planned | 31 December 2025 | low | 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. |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on MTN
- 2G devices keep working until the shutdown (31 December 2027). Replace 2G-only devices before that date; once the network closes, they lose service on MTN.
- 3G works until the shutdown (31 December 2025). Devices that rely on 3G should move to 4G before then.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in South Africa: we have not yet found a reliable source on permanent roaming. Details on the South Africa page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in South Africa
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| Cell C | Switched off, 2023 | Switched off, 2023 |
| Telkom | Switched off | Planned, 31 December 2027 |
| Vodacom | Planned, 31 December 2027 | Planned, 31 December 2027 |
All operators and both rules for South Africa: IoT connectivity in South Africa. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When does MTN switch off 2G in South Africa?
MTN plans to switch off 2G on 31 December 2027. 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.
When does MTN switch off 3G in South Africa?
MTN plans to switch off 3G on 31 December 2025. 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.