MTN Ghana to Gradually Phase Out 2G and 3G Networks, Prioritizes Smooth Transition to 4G

MTN Ghana has announced plans to gradually phase out its 2G and 3G networks, assuring customers that the transition will be handled with care. The move, according to the company, is part of efforts to enhance service quality and expand the use of faster 4G technology across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing during the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, explained that many subscribers still depend on 2G and 3G networks. While 4G is now widely available, he said some customers continue to use older mobile devices that are not 4G-enabled, while others deliberately stay on slower networks to better manage their data consumption.

“A lot of our customers are still operating on 3G. Even though 4G is available, some choose 3G because they believe it helps them control data usage. Others simply have handsets that cannot support 4G,” Blewett stated.

The telecom giant stressed that the planned network upgrade will be gradual, as shutting down 2G and 3G too quickly could exclude a significant number of users. “If we push to shut down 2G and 3G without ensuring customers have affordable 4G devices, we risk leaving people behind,” Blewett emphasized.

MTN Ghana’s decision reflects a broader trend in Africa’s telecom industry, where operators are working to optimize spectrum use while balancing accessibility. The company says its priority is to expand digital inclusion by ensuring that affordable 4G devices are available before fully retiring the older networks.

Source: Citi newsroom