Rwanda Accelerates the End of 2G and 3G networks.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation has announced that the old 3G and 2G networks will be completely shut down in Rwanda, with 3G expected to be completely shut down in the country by June 30, 2027.
This process of eliminating older networks, led by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation in collaboration with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), will see the infrastructure used to provide older telecommunications services handed over to telecommunications investors to use in providing modern, fast and affordable telecommunications services to Rwandans.
This announcement comes after the Cabinet meeting chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic Paul Kagame on July 24, 2026, was briefed on the initiative called "Migrating telecommunications infrastructure from 2G and 3G to 4G and 5G.
A statement released this week by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and Innovation states, “These changes will allow the infrastructure used to distribute old dual networks to be dedicated to telecommunications companies to increase their capacity to distribute 4G network, and later to distribute 5G network across the country.”
The Ministry also states that the shutdown of 2G and 3G communications will occur after conducting an assessment of the coverage area in the country, the continued provision of related services, the availability of equipment, and whether consumers are ready to migrate to modern networks.
Officials believe that these changes will improve the quality of internet speed, calling, mobile money services, and access to other digital services such as e-Government, education, and health platforms.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation also announced that telecommunications service providers and Rwandans in general will be assisted in these changes.
The trial of completely shutting down older networks began in 2026, before 3G network becomes completely shut down next year.
Consumers are also urged to check whether their phone numbers or devices can support 4G communications and to upgrade to 4G network for those who have not yet done so. Companies or institutions that only rely on 2G or 3G are also urged to start upgrading to the modern networks.
