Eswatini's Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has published Notice No. 5/2025, formally setting out the timetable for retiring the country's 2G and 3G mobile networks, with legacy technology to be phased out entirely before 2030 as part of the modernisation of national telecom infrastructure.

Key dates

1. From 30 November 2025, imports and type approval of mobile devices that support only 2G or 3G are prohibited outright, keeping outdated technology out of the market at source.

2. By 31 December 2028, all 2G networks nationwide must be switched off.

3. By 31 December 2030, 3G services must be terminated completely.

Main objectives

ESCCOM says the phased approach gives operators, consumers and the supply chain enough time to migrate to 4G and 5G. The plan, drawn up after public consultation, aims to:

- optimise spectrum by releasing frequencies used by legacy networks for more efficient 4G and 5G services;

- improve service quality in terms of speed, coverage and stability;

- align with international standards and the global migration to advanced networks.

The commission stresses that the measure will significantly raise internet penetration in Eswatini and lay the foundation for next-generation digital services such as the Internet of Things and smart cities.

The 2G and 3G sunset is a key step in telecom modernisation for developing countries. Eswatini's gradual approach lowers switching costs for users while pushing operators to accelerate network build-out. Over the next five years 4G coverage is expected to rise substantially and 5G trials are likely to begin.