Why South Africa could remain tied to 2G for too long? In South Africa, the evolution of telecommunications networks is at a crossroads. Despite the push towards newer, more efficient technologies like 5G, the country finds itself grappling with the persistence of legacy 2G and 3G networks.
Why South Africa Could Remain Tied to 2G for Too Long
There’s a big decision to make about old phone networks. The government wants them gone by December 2027. But it’s not so easy.
Lots of people still use the old 2G and 3G networks. Ookla, a company that checks internet speed, says it’s tricky for companies to switch because lots of folks rely on the old networks.
Even though South Africa has good 4G and 5G, 3G is still popular, especially in towns and the countryside. It’s okay for basic stuff like checking the news. But 2G is mostly just for calls and takes up space that could be used for better tech.
Switching to Newer Networks Like 5G
Switching to newer networks, like 5G, could be faster and better for users. But it costs a lot. And many people can’t afford new phones or plans, which makes it hard for companies to switch off the old networks.
The government gave companies two more years to switch off the old networks. Some, like Telkom Mobile, already turned off 2G. But others, like MTN, still have a lot of work to do because many of their customers use 3G.
It’s not just people using phones. Many machines also rely on old networks, and it’s hard to upgrade them. Plus, the old networks cover more places, especially in the countryside, where newer networks might not reach yet.
Finding the Right Balance
So, while South Africa wants to move on to better tech, it’s not as easy as flipping a switch. Balancing the old with the new is tricky. But finding the right balance will help keep everyone connected as we move forward.
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