Telkom, South Africa: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Telkom switched off 2G and plans to switch off 3G on 31 December 2027, 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 Telkom
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | none | low | 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. |
| 3G | Planned | 31 December 2027 | medium | 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. |
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 Telkom
- 2G devices no longer connect to Telkom. Trackers, alarms and meters that only speak GSM/GPRS need a 4G-based replacement, or a SIM that roams onto another network in South Africa still running 2G.
- 3G works until the shutdown (31 December 2027). 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 |
| MTN | Planned, 31 December 2027 | Planned, 31 December 2025 |
| 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 did Telkom switch off 2G in South Africa?
Telkom switched off its 2G network. 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.
When does Telkom switch off 3G in South Africa?
Telkom plans to switch off 3G 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. emnify lists Telkom 3G for 31 Dec 2027.