Rwanda Sets June 30 Deadline for Nationwide 3G Switch-Off

• Rwanda sets June 30, 2027, as the nationwide deadline for switching off its legacy 3G mobile networks.
• The transition aims to accelerate the country's move to faster and more reliable digital connectivity.
• Consumers can expect faster internet speeds, improved call quality, and better access to digital services.
• Businesses and public institutions relying on 2G or 3G-enabled systems are advised to upgrade their equipment to avoid disruptions.

The shift is expected to deliver faster internet speeds, improved call quality, fewer dropped connections, and more reliable access to digital services such as mobile banking, government e-services, online education, and digital health platforms.

Rwanda has set a nationwide deadline of June 30, 2027, for switching off its legacy 3G mobile networks. This move is aimed at accelerating the country's transition to faster and more reliable digital connectivity. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) will oversee the retirement of 3G services, which will be followed by a gradual shutdown of 2G services once key readiness benchmarks are met.

The shift is expected to deliver faster internet speeds, improved call quality, fewer dropped connections, and more reliable access to digital services such as mobile banking, government e-services, online education, and digital health platforms. Consumers can expect faster internet, clearer calls, fewer dropped connections, and better access to mobile banking, government e-services, education, and health platforms that increasingly depend on modern networks.

The transition is guided by several readiness indicators, including nationwide availability of reliable 4G coverage, uninterrupted access to essential services such as voice calls, text messaging, mobile money, and emergency communications. The Ministry said implementation will be coordinated with mobile network operators, government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

Pilot shutdowns of older networks will begin in 2026 to test system readiness ahead of the nationwide 3G switch-off in mid-2027. Mobile operators will notify customers whose devices or SIM cards require upgrading before the transition. Businesses and public institutions that still rely on 2G or 3G-enabled systems are advised to upgrade their equipment to avoid disruptions.

The switch-off of 3G services will free up valuable network spectrum currently used by older technologies, enabling mobile operators to expand and strengthen 4G services while laying the foundation for broader deployment of 5G across the country. The transition is expected to deliver faster internet speeds, improved call quality, and more reliable access to digital services.

For businesses and public institutions relying on 2G or 3G-enabled systems, it is crucial to understand the implications of the switch-off and upgrade their equipment accordingly. This will ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions to essential services.

Lawyers advising clients on the transition should ensure they understand the implications of the switch-off, particularly for businesses and public institutions relying on 2G or 3G-enabled systems, and advise them to upgrade their equipment accordingly.

Source: Original reporting via Rwanda News Agency