Rwanda’s MINICT unveils transition plan for 2G/3G switchoff

Details: John Tanner; Category: Regulation; 30 July 2026; 1023 views

Rwanda’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies and Innovation (MINICT) says it has received approval from the government for its plan to shut down 2G and 3G services over the next two years.

In a statement released Tuesday, MINICT said it will start with 3G, which it plans to shut off nationwide at the end of June 2027.

The ministry said it is tentatively targeting a 2G switchoff by December 2028, but the final date will depend on the outcome of the 3G transition, as well as an assessment of network coverage, service continuity, the number of people still using older phones, and the migration of systems that depend on 2G.

The 3G switchoff is also subject to market conditions, such as 4G coverage and call quality across the country including rural areas, availability and reliability of VoLTE (including for emergency calls), and service continuity for voice calls, SMS, mobile money, payments and other essential services.

It will also depend on progress of the migration of services that still depend on USSD, 2G or 3G, as well as replacement of connected equipment such as meters, trackers and security systems.

The availability of affordable 4G phones is another key factor. MINICT cited a study that found more than 2 million people could still be using 2G in 2030 without a planned transition that includes a smartphone affordability plan.

Under the current planned timeline, telcos are expected to spend the rest of 2026 expanding 4G coverage, confirming that VoLTE is working reliably, and identifying services and devices that still depend on older networks to start the process of migrating them to newer technology.

Telcos will also conduct trial shutdowns in selected areas. Any problems identified during the trials will be addressed before the switchoff.

During the first half of 2027, operators and service providers will complete the migration of critical systems, notify customers, strengthen their support services and establish a joint team to respond to issues during the transition.

MINICT, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority and mobile operators will monitor the transition, with reports becoming more frequent as the switchoff date gets closer.

MINICT said a limited number of critical services could be granted additional time if needed, but all extensions will be temporary, and will only be granted when the service provider presents a clear migration plan approved by the regulator.

Meanwhile, MINICT advised consumers, businesses, government institutions and other organisations to start getting ready now for the transition. Organisations in particular should identify any equipment or services that rely on 2G or 3G – especially in relation to mobile money, payments, utilities, transport, healthcare, public safety and government services – set aside the necessary budget and assign someone to manage the transition.

The ministry first announced its intention to shut down 2G and 3G services in March this year. MINICT said that the move is necessary to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G networks.

Also, maintaining four generations of mobile technologies increases network maintenance costs and limits investment in newer technologies, the ministry said.