MTN South Africa to Shut Down 3G by 2027 – Is 5G Ready for Wider Rollout?

In recent reports, MTN South Africa (one of the country’s leading mobile telecommunications providers) is set to phase out the 3G mobile network by 2027 as it shifts its focus towards improving its 4G and 5G services and rolling these more reliable and efficient networks out across the country.  The question being asked here is, […]

In recent reports, MTN South Africa (one of the country’s leading mobile telecommunications providers) is set to phase out the 3G mobile network by 2027 as it shifts its focus towards improving its 4G and 5G services and rolling these more reliable and efficient networks out across the country. 

The question being asked here is, is 5G ready for wider rollout in South Africa? Let’s dive straight in to find out. 

Why is MTN South Africa phasing out 3G?

There are many reasons why MTN South Africa has decided to phase out the 3G wireless mobile network, and the main reason is that 3G technology is old and far less capable than 4G and 5G networks. 

For example, existing 3G technology offers much slower data speeds, higher latency, and a worse overall experience for mobile users. By retiring 3G networks, operators like MTN South Africa can free up a huge amount of resources and spectrum to advance their 4G and 5G networks and pave the way for faster and more reliable wireless mobile networks. 

Switching off 3G is crucial for the evolution and continued growth of mobile technology and will increase efficiency, productivity, and the overall experience of using a mobile device in South Africa. 

For many years, 3G has played a vital role in providing internet access for mobile users, but the technology is now deemed inefficient and costly. By focusing on 4G and 5G networks and expanding rollout, consumers will have access to more capable and reliable connectivity. 

Additionally, MTN also faces competition from other telecommunications providers who are also focusing on developing 4G and 5G, so they don’t want to fall behind their competitors. 

What are the main benefits of 5G?

As mentioned, 5G brings with it many benefits for mobile users, including lower latency, faster speeds, and increased network capacity. The technology is helping to revolutionise various industries and significantly enhance the user experience. 

Some of the benefits of 5G for mobile users are the following:

• Faster downloads/uploads
• Smoother live streaming with almost zero buffering/disconnection/lagging issues, which is great for playing crash games and other online games or watching 4K Ultra HD movies and TV shows
• 5G supports a higher density of connected devices and significantly reduces congestion 

5G technology also enables new applications and devices to function across a range of industries. For example, 5G is crucial for self-driving cars and smart city initiatives, traffic management, public safety, and so on. 5G is also helping to improve healthcare and education. 

What are the best 5G mobiles in South Africa in 2025?

If you are considering purchasing a 5G-ready smartphone in South Africa in 2025, the good news is that there are several options available. For example, one of the most popular 5G mobiles is the Apple iPhone 16. 

If you aren’t a fan of iOS devices, then you might like to read the reviews for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. You also have the Google Pixel 8a, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the OnePlus 13, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, and the Samsung Galaxy A16. 

Before purchasing one of these 5G-ready mobile phones, always read the expert reviews to determine which device might be a more suitable option for you based on your personal preferences. Also, when purchasing your ideal 5G smartphone, make sure that the website you are about to buy it from is a trusted merchant. 

Quick facts about MTN South Africa

MTN South Africa is a leading South African mobile telecommunications provider offering a range of mobile services, including mobile money services, data, voice, and digital services. The company was founded in 1994 and is part of the multinational MTN Group. 

According to statistics, MTN currently has over 4,000 active 5G sites in South Africa, which now covers almost 45% of the population. MTN’s plan is to increase coverage to more than 60% by the end of the year. 

Final thoughts

The phasing out of existing 3G wireless networks and being replaced with 4G and 5G is inevitable in the modern era in South Africa and across the world. The transformation brought about by wider 5G rollout and coverage will continue to transform how we live, work, play, and interact with modern technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and helping foster innovation and progress. 

By rolling out 5G across South Africa, it will significantly bridge the digital divide and give people even in the hardest-to-reach areas access to a more reliable and secure wireless mobile network.