lobby group the Association for Comms & Technology has warned government against rushing operators into switching off their legacy 2G and 3G networks.providers, has warned government not to rush network operators into “sunsetting” their 2G and 3G networks because this risks marginalising millions of users who rely on legacy technologies.
The opportunities that next-gen technology bring must be carefully balanced with a carefully executed transition According to Batyi, the ACT believes that government’s revised deadline of 31 December 2027 for 2G and 3G switch-off risks alienating poorer communities and will contribute to widening the digital divide in South Africa. Instead of imposing hard deadlines, said Batyi, the government should assist by driving community programmes on digital skills and improving awareness to help speed-up the transition to newer technologies.
“A lot of operators have moved away from subsidising devices because it has become too expensive. Also, customers tend to switch between operators, so you don’t have a guarantee that you will get the revenue. That’s why we have been pushing OEMs to make devices at the US$40 price point instead of $80,” he said.But even as OEMs push to make cheaper, next-generation devices, import taxes add a significant amount to the total cost.