The Government of Rwanda has announced a plan to phase out 2G and 3G mobile networks as part of its transition to modern telecommunications technology that will provide faster, more reliable internet access to more people across the country.
MINICT said the nationwide shutdown of the 3G network is scheduled for June 30, 2027. The 2G network will be phased out afterward, following an assessment to determine whether the country is fully prepared.
The move is part of Rwanda’s broader effort to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure by replacing outdated 2G and 3G networks with 4G technology and the expanding 5G network.
According to MINICT, discontinuing the older networks will free up capacity and allow telecommunications operators to invest more in expanding and improving 4G and 5G coverage nationwide.
For mobile phone users, the transition is expected to bring faster internet speeds, higher-quality voice calls, fewer network disruptions, and easier access to digital services, including mobile financial services, e-government platforms, education, and healthcare.
MINICT and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) are overseeing the implementation of the plan in collaboration with telecommunications providers, government institutions, the private sector, and the public.
The rollout will depend on several conditions being met, including nationwide availability of high-quality 4G coverage, uninterrupted access to voice calls, text messaging, mobile money services, and emergency communications.
The plan also includes migrating services that still rely on USSD, 2G, or 3G technology to newer platforms, while helping users who may need to upgrade their mobile devices.
MINICT said pilot shutdowns of parts of the 2G and 3G networks will be conducted during 2026 ahead of the nationwide 3G switch-off in 2027, while expansion of the 4G network and monitoring of the transition continue.
Mobile users have been advised to check whether their phones and SIM cards support 4G. For example, MTN users can dial 4561# to check whether their SIM card is operating on 3G or 4G, while Airtel users can dial 2554# for the same information.
Telecommunications providers will notify customers who may need to replace their phones or SIM cards to ensure uninterrupted service.
MINICT also urged organizations and institutions that still rely on 2G- or 3G-based systems—including mobile financial services, electricity services, transport, healthcare, public safety, and government services—to begin preparing for the migration to newer technologies.
The initiative marks another step in Rwanda’s drive to build a technology-driven economy and improve access to high-quality digital services through modern telecommunications infrastructure.
