Rwanda has announced that its 3G mobile network will be switched off by June 30, 2027, in a move aimed at accelerating the country's transition to faster 4G services while laying the foundation for wider use of 5G technology.
The decision forms part of a broader government plan to phase out ageing mobile networks and redirect resources towards expanding modern digital infrastructure.
While authorities also intend to retire the 2G network, that process will only begin after confirming that nationwide coverage, service quality and device readiness can support users without affecting essential services.
The planned migration is expected to impact millions of mobile subscribers as well as businesses and government institutions that continue to depend on older network technologies.
Rwanda's Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) said the transition will release radio spectrum and network capacity currently occupied by legacy technologies, allowing mobile operators to strengthen investment in newer networks.
"This transition will free up network capacity currently used to run two generations of ageing technology, allowing mobile operators to invest fully in expanding and strengthening 4G and, over time, 5G coverage across the country,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the upgrade will improve the overall mobile experience by delivering faster internet connections, better call quality and more stable network performance. It added that stronger networks will also improve access to services that increasingly rely on digital connectivity, including mobile banking, education, healthcare and government platforms.
"For consumers, this means faster internet, clearer calls, fewer dropped connections, and better access to mobile banking, government e-services, education, and health platforms that increasingly depend on modern networks,” the ICT Ministry said.
Officials said the migration will be carried out gradually to avoid service interruptions. Before older networks are retired, the government will assess whether 4G coverage is available across the country, whether essential services such as voice calls, SMS, mobile money and emergency communications can continue smoothly, and whether affordable 4G-enabled devices are widely accessible.
MINICT is leading the exercise together with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), mobile network operators, government agencies and private sector partners. Pilot shutdowns of older networks are expected to begin in 2026 before the nationwide 3G switch-off takes effect in June 2027.
The government has also urged organisations that still rely on 2G and 3G technologies to begin upgrading their systems. The advisory applies to sectors such as payments, utilities, transport, healthcare, public safety and government services.
Consumers have also been encouraged to confirm that both their mobile phones and SIM cards support 4G connectivity before the migration begins.