The Government of Rwanda has approved a phased plan to retire the country’s 2G and 3G mobile networks and complete the transition to 4G and 5G.

Under the plan, 3G services will be switched off nationwide on 30 June 2027. The 2G network will be retired at a later stage.

The Government is currently working towards December 2028 for the 2G switch-off. The final date will depend on the outcome of the 3G transition and an assessment of network coverage, service continuity, the number of people still using older phones, the migration of systems that depend on 2G, and the country’s overall readiness.

Why Rwanda is making the change

Operating four generations of mobile technology at the same time is costly and inefficient. It takes up valuable radio spectrum, increases network maintenance costs and limits investment in newer technologies.

Retiring 2G and 3G will make more spectrum available for 4G and 5G, which offer faster connections, greater capacity and stronger security.

Many countries are making the same transition, and several have already shut down their older networks.

A study conducted for Rwanda found that, without a planned transition, more than two million people could still be using 2G in 2030. Many of them may struggle to afford a 4G-enabled phone. The plan therefore includes measures to keep devices affordable and ensure that no one is left behind.

What must be ready before the switch-off

The Government will only proceed with the 3G switch-off once the necessary conditions have been met.

The Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority and mobile operators will monitor:

• 4G coverage and call quality across the country, including in rural areas
• the availability and reliability of Voice over LTE, or VoLTE, including for emergency calls
• the continuity of calls, SMS, mobile money, payments and other essential services
• the migration of services that still depend on USSD, 2G or 3G
• the replacement of connected equipment such as meters, trackers and security systems
• the availability of affordable 4G phones
• customer support and public communication

How the switch-off will take place

The transition will be carried out gradually.

During 2026, operators will expand 4G coverage, confirm that VoLTE is working reliably, identify services and devices that still depend on older networks, and begin moving them to newer technology.

Operators will also conduct trial shutdowns in selected areas. Any problems identified during these trials will be addressed before the nationwide switch-off.

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. Reporting and monitoring will become more frequent as the switch-off date approaches.

A limited number of critical services may be granted additional time where there is a genuine need. Any extension will be temporary, supported by a clear migration plan and approved by the regulator. There will be no open-ended exemptions.

What phone users should do

Anyone using a 3G phone should prepare well before the switch-off date.

Phone users are advised to:

• check whether their phone and SIM card support 4G
• follow their operator’s guidance on replacing or upgrading a phone or SIM card
• avoid buying phones that only support 2G or 3G
• ask their operator how frequently used services, including USSD services, will work after the transition
• follow official updates from MINICT, RURA and mobile operators

How to check whether your SIM supports 4G

Customers can check their SIM card from their handset.

MTN customers can dial *456*1#.

Airtel customers can dial *255*5*4#.

Anyone who is unsure should contact their mobile operator. Operators will also contact customers who need to replace their phone, SIM card or both.

What businesses and institutions should do

Businesses, government institutions and other organisations should identify any equipment or services that rely on 2G or 3G.

These may include USSD services, card and payment terminals, utility meters, security systems, vehicle trackers and other connected devices.

Each organisation should assign someone to manage the transition, set aside the necessary budget, test replacement systems and confirm that services will continue to operate before 30 June 2027.

Particular attention will be given to mobile money, payments, utilities, transport, healthcare, public safety and government services.

More information

MINICT and RURA are coordinating the transition through a working group that includes mobile operators, government institutions, the financial sector and other affected organisations.

The Government will provide regular updates as the work progresses. It will also review the outcome of the 3G switch-off before confirming the final timetable for retiring 2G.

For more information, contact the Ministry of ICT and Innovation at [email protected], visit the MINICT and RURA websites, or follow updates through your mobile operator’s official channels.