Econet Wireless Zimbabwe plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of December 2027 as the telecommunications company shifts its focus towards faster 4G and...
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of December 2027 as the telecommunications company shifts its focus towards faster 4G and 5G technologies.
The company said it intends to make 4G the minimum standard for mobile data on its network, while 2G services will remain available for longer.
Econet said only a small proportion of its customers are still using 3G, with most subscribers having already moved to 4G and 5G.
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“Our plan is to shut down 3G first, by the end of December 2027,” the company said in a statement.
“Only a small proportion of our customers remain on 3G, as most are now using 4G and 5G. We are encouraging those still on the older technology to migrate to the higher-speed technologies.”
The company said it was taking into account customers in rural areas who may need more time to replace older mobile phones.
Econet said it would support the migration by making affordable handsets available and offering flexible payment terms.
It also plans to improve network coverage in rural communities before encouraging customers in those areas to move to 4G.
“That work is already underway,” the company said.
Econet also announced plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in additional 4G and 5G infrastructure as part of the transition.
The company said operating several generations of mobile technology at the same time puts pressure on spectrum resources, which are limited and costly.
By switching off 3G, Econet will be able to free up spectrum that can be used to expand its 4G and 5G networks.
However, the scale of the current 3G network means the transition will require significant investment.
Econet had 2,071 3G base stations, while a further 74 3G base stations were added between December and March, highlighting the continued role of the technology on the network.
The company’s plan therefore means ensuring that sufficient 4G coverage is available to replace the services currently provided by its 3G infrastructure.
The biggest impact will be felt by customers who still rely on 3G-only smartphones.
Although the December 2027 deadline gives customers time to upgrade, the number of subscribers still using 3G-only devices as the deadline approaches will be an important factor in the transition.
Econet said it was encouraging customers to move to 4G and 5G devices ahead of the shutdown.
The planned 3G shutdown also comes as smartphone prices face pressure from increased demand for components used in artificial intelligence systems, potentially making device upgrades more expensive for some consumers.
For customers unable to immediately replace 3G-only phones, Econet said 2G would remain available for longer.
This means some compatible devices may still connect to the 2G network after 3G is switched off.
However, 2G offers significantly slower data speeds and is not considered a practical replacement for 3G or 4G for most modern internet activities.
Econet is also stepping up efforts to identify what it describes as “grey handsets” on its network.
The company said it now has the capability to detect such devices when they connect to its network and alert customers, while also notifying authorities.
Econet said the measure was intended to help curb the sale and use of questionable smartphones in the local market.
The company uses the term “grey handsets” to refer to devices that are sold as smartphones but may not meet their advertised specifications.
The transition is not unique to Zimbabwe. Rwanda has targeted June 2027 for its 3G shutdown, while South Africa has also set December 2027 as its target for switching off 3G services.
For Zimbabwean consumers planning to buy a smartphone before the end of 2027, network compatibility will therefore be an important consideration.
A phone that supports 4G will be better positioned for continued mobile internet access as Econet moves away from older network technologies.
Econet has a dominant share of Zimbabwe’s mobile subscriptions, meaning its planned network changes are likely to affect a significant number of mobile users.
The company will need to balance its technology upgrade plans with the cost of replacing older devices and expanding coverage, particularly in rural communities.
With the 3G shutdown deadline set for December 2027, Econet’s immediate priority will be expanding 4G and 5G coverage while helping customers still dependent on older technology make the transition.
