Rwanda Will Switch Off 3G in 2027: What Users Need to Know

Rwanda is preparing to retire its 3G mobile network as part of a wider move toward faster 4G and 5G connectivity. The government has set 30 June 2027 as the nationwide 3G switch-off date, giving users and businesses time to prepare.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation on 28 July 2026. The government is also working toward retiring 2G in December 2028, although that date will depend on how the 3G transition progresses.

Why Rwanda is retiring 3G

Running several generations of mobile networks at the same time is costly and uses valuable radio spectrum. By retiring older networks, operators can redirect capacity and investment toward 4G and 5G.

The government expects the transition to support faster connections, greater network capacity and improved security. However, it also recognises that some people and systems still depend on older technologies.

What does this mean for phone users?

If you are using a 3G-only phone, you will need to upgrade before the shutdown.

Having a 4G phone alone may not be enough for voice calls. The government says operators will also need to ensure that Voice over LTE (VoLTE) works reliably, including for emergency calls.

Users should therefore check whether their phone and SIM card support 4G and follow instructions from their mobile operator.

The government says MTN customers can check their SIM by dialing 4561#, while Airtel customers can dial 2555*4#.

Businesses also need to prepare

The transition is not only about smartphones. Some businesses and institutions use 2G or 3G for services such as payment terminals, utility meters, vehicle trackers, security systems and other connected devices.

The government says operators will conduct trial shutdowns in selected areas during 2026 before the nationwide 3G retirement. This is intended to identify and fix problems before the final switch-off.

For consumers, the key message is simple: if your phone still depends on 3G, don't wait until June 2027 to check.

Rwanda's transition to newer mobile networks could improve connectivity, but its success will depend on affordable devices, reliable 4G coverage and ensuring that essential services continue working during the

Source: minict.gov.rw