Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s largest mobile network operator, has announced plans to switch off its 3G network by the end of December 2027. The move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate the rollout of faster 4G and 5G technologies and improve overall service quality.
In a statement released today, Econet CEO Douglas Mboweni confirmed the timeline, noting that only a small proportion of customers remain on 3G while the majority have already migrated to 4G and 5G. ‘We are encouraging those still on the older technology to migrate to the higher-speed technologies,’ Mboweni said.
The retirement of 3G will allow Econet to reallocate valuable spectrum to enhance 4G and 5G capacity, leading to faster data speeds and more reliable connectivity. The company plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in upgrading its infrastructure, including expanding 4G and 5G base stations across the country.
One of the key challenges is the rural population, where 2G and 3G phones are still common. Mboweni acknowledged this, saying the company will give rural customers more time to replace their phones and will support them with affordable handsets and flexible payment terms. ‘We will first upgrade network coverage and then help customers in rural communities migrate to 4G as the minimum standard,’ he explained.
Econet also intends to phase out 2G eventually, but that will happen later because many rural users still depend on basic feature phones. The company emphasised that 2G will remain available for the foreseeable future to ensure continuity for voice and basic services.
In addition, Econet is stepping up efforts to combat ‘grey handsets’ – devices sold as smartphones that do not meet advertised specifications. The company says it now has the capability to detect such devices when they connect to the network and will alert customers and authorities.
The move aligns with global trends; Rwanda and South Africa have set similar deadlines for 3G shutdowns. Customers with 3G-only smartphones are advised to upgrade to 4G-compatible devices before the deadline to avoid service interruptions. With 15 months remaining, Econet faces the task of migrating a significant number of subscribers, especially in rural areas, while ensuring affordability.
As the transition progresses, subscribers can expect improved network performance and new digital services. For those still on 3G, the clock is ticking.
