Harare – Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operator, Econet Wireless, is on the cusp of a significant technological shift, announcing plans to switch off its 3G network by the end of December 2027. This ambitious move is set to pave the way for a major expansion of faster 4G and 5G services, promising a more advanced digital future for many. However, it also places considerable pressure on millions of customers who still rely on older mobile phones, particularly those in rural areas.
The company frames this transition as a vital step towards improving network quality, releasing valuable radio spectrum, and allowing it to concentrate investment on technologies capable of handling the ever-growing demand for data-heavy services. These include video streaming, cloud applications, and emerging artificial intelligence tools.
“Our plan is to shut down 3G first, by the end of December 2027,” stated Dr Douglas Mboweni, Econet’s Chief Executive Officer. “Only a small proportion of our customers remain on 3G, as most are now using 4G and 5G. We are encouraging those still on the older technology to migrate to the higher-speed technologies.”
While Dr Mboweni suggests a small proportion of users are on 3G, the latest telecoms sector report reveals a different picture of Econet’s infrastructure. The company currently operates 2,071 3G sites, a figure that still surpasses its 1,951 4G sites. This indicates that the 3G network continues to perform substantial work, suggesting the migration task ahead is considerable.
The Looming Deadline: A Tale of Two Phone Users
For smartphone users whose devices are limited to 3G connectivity, the December 2027 deadline means an inevitable upgrade. They will need to replace their handsets to maintain seamless network access. However, owners of basic 2G handsets, affectionately known as “kambudzi phones” in Zimbabwe, will not face an immediate cut-off in 2027. Their technology is slated for retirement at a later, unspecified date, as Econet gradually moves towards a network built predominantly around 4G and 5G.
Econet’s decision to delay the 2G phase-out is a pragmatic one, acknowledging the critical role this older network plays in rural communities. Many subscribers outside major towns continue to rely on feature phones for essential calls, text messages, and crucial mobile money services. In these areas, 2G often remains the most practical option due not only to the high cost of smartphones but also to unreliable electricity supplies and inconsistent newer network coverage.
“We must give rural customers more time to replace their phones while supporting them with affordable handsets and flexible payment terms,” Dr Mboweni affirmed. “We will first upgrade network coverage and then help customers in rural communities migrate to 4G as the minimum standard. That work is already underway.”
This commitment is crucial, as the transition away from older networks in Africa has often been slower and more selective than in other regions, precisely because of the strong dependence on existing legacy ecosystems and the need to maintain digital inclusiveness. The affordability of devices remains a significant barrier, with an entry-level internet-enabled handset potentially costing over 120% of the monthly earnings of the poorest 20% in the region. Adding to this challenge, a global “RAMageddon” driven by AI demand is reportedly pushing up smartphone prices, potentially making upgrades even harder for consumers.
Investing in the Future: Powering a Modern Network
The modernisation programme is a monumental undertaking, expected to require annual investment running into hundreds of millions of dollars. It is far more complex than a simple software switch; it involves new radio equipment, expanded coverage, and a robust, reliable power infrastructure.
A critical component of this investment addresses Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity supply problems. Econet is developing an independent power system for its network sites, recognising that power disruptions account for nearly 60% of its network faults. The company is actively rolling out solar and battery systems across its network and has ambitious plans to construct a 100-megawatt solar and battery facility in Harare to power its switching and data centres. This proactive approach is vital, as past major network outages caused by power failures have severely disrupted mobile money services and had a significant economic impact across the country.
The current Econet network comprises 2,981 2G sites, 2,071 3G sites, 1,951 4G sites, and 353 5G sites. Retiring 3G equipment and reallocating its spectrum – the limited radio space used to carry calls and data – will allow for more capacity to be assigned to 4G and 5G, where demand is escalating rapidly. This efficient use of spectrum is a key driver for telecommunication companies globally.
The Promise of Speed and the Peril of “Grey Handsets”
For smartphone users, the most tangible benefit of this transition will be significantly improved data performance. Econet launched 5G in Zimbabwe in February 2022, becoming the first operator in the country to introduce the technology. Its 5G service, primarily available in major urban centres, boasts speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second under ideal conditions, with latency as low as 10 milliseconds. The company continues to expand its 5G footprint, having deployed 60 5G sites to date.
However, the quality of the devices connecting to this advanced network is a growing concern for Econet. The operator has issued a stern warning to independent handset suppliers against selling phones limited to 2G and 3G, urging retailers to focus on 4G- and 5G-compatible models. More critically, Econet is targeting so-called “grey handsets” – devices marketed as smartphones but which often fail to meet advertised technical specifications. These can include phones that only support certain network bands or have software/hardware limitations leading to slow or unreliable connections, even if labelled as 4G-capable.
Econet has developed a system to identify these substandard devices when they attempt to connect to its network. Customers will be alerted if an affected handset is detected, and information will be passed to relevant authorities to help curb the sale of unsuitable or falsely advertised phones. This issue of grey imports and counterfeits is not new to Zimbabwe, where economic conditions and high import taxes on legitimate devices have created a thriving market for unofficial channels. This makes it imperative for consumers upgrading their devices to meticulously check network specifications rather than relying solely on brand names or appearances.
A Global Trend with Local Implications
Zimbabwe’s 3G shutdown is not an isolated event but part of a broader global movement away from older mobile networks. Rwanda has set 30 June 2027 as its nationwide 3G switch-off date, with 2G to follow after a thorough readiness assessment. South Africa has also earmarked the end of 2027 for retiring older mobile technologies. In Europe, Germany and the Czech Republic completed their 3G shutdowns in 2021, while the United Kingdom phased out 3G by early 2025 and is preparing for 2G retirement between 2029 and 2033. Ukraine’s Kyivstar recently migrated over a million subscribers from 3G to 4G, freeing up valuable spectrum for its 4G network.
For Econet customers in Zimbabwe, the message is clear: 3G-only phones have a definitive expiry date. While 2G-only “kambudzi” phones have a longer reprieve, their future is also finite. Econet has pledged to expand coverage and provide affordable upgrade options, particularly for rural users, before these older networks are finally decommissioned. For those already equipped with compatible smartphones, the transition promises faster connections and enhanced capacity. However, for everyone still holding onto an older device, the time to plan for an upgrade is now, navigating a complex landscape of technological advancement, economic realities, and consumer protection concerns.