- MTN Ghana will slowly phase out its 2G and 3G networks to allow subscribers time to adapt
- Many users still rely on older networks either to control data or due to non-4G devices
- The company aims to improve spectrum efficiency but stresses a cautious approach to avoid excluding customers
MTN Ghana has revealed plans to phase out its 2G and 3G networks gradually, allowing subscribers sufficient time to transition to newer technologies.
Speaking to journalists at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra, MTN’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, noted that a considerable number of customers still rely heavily on 2G and 3G services.
He pointed out that while some users intentionally stay on these older networks to better manage their data usage, many others are limited by handsets that do not support 4G connectivity.
“Although 4G is widely available, many of our customers remain on 3G. For some, it’s a matter of controlling data consumption, while others simply don’t have devices capable of 4G,” Mr. Blewett explained.
He emphasized that MTN’s ultimate goal is to enhance spectrum efficiency by eventually shutting down the older networks, but assured that the transition would be carefully managed.
“We cannot abruptly switch off 2G and 3G without ensuring affordable 4G devices are accessible, as this could exclude a large portion of Ghanaians,” he warned.
