Econet says to phase out 3G by end of 2027

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe plans to shut down its 3G network by the end of December 2027 as the country’s largest mobile network operator accelerates investment in faster 4G and 5G technologies.

Econet chief executive officer Douglas Mboweni said the company would retire 3G first, with 2G to be phased out later because it remains widely used in rural areas by subscribers with basic feature phones.

“Our plan is to shut down 3G first, by the end of December 2027,” Mboweni said.

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