Online ReporterMany African countries are making big moves to modernize their mobile networks. They’re shutting down older 2G infrastructure to clear the way for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services, aiming to catch up with global tech trends.
This sounds great, right?
But there’s a huge catch: millions of people across the continent still rely on cheaper 2G phones, and they might not be able to afford the newer devices. This transition, while necessary, could inadvertently cut off a massive portion of the population.
Why 2G Is Still So Important in Africa
You might wonder why these old networks are still such a big deal, but 2G offers some unique advantages that many Africans depend on:
Widespread Reach & Low Cost
2G networks cover even the most remote areas, providing basic calls and texts through incredibly inexpensive handsets. They simply go where newer networks often don’t, and the phones are affordable.
Built to Last & Battery-Friendly
These older phones are famously tough, able to withstand rough conditions. Crucially, their batteries last a long, long time – an absolute lifesaver in places where electricity is unreliable or scarce.
Keeping Essential Services Alive
Surprisingly, many vital services run on 2G through SMS or USSD codes. Think mobile banking (like M-Pesa), healthcare alerts, or crucial updates for farmers. If 2G disappears too quickly, these services could vanish for many.
The Problem: Newer Phones Cost Too Much
The big issue is that when 2G goes away, people must upgrade to a phone that can handle 4G or 5G. And these phones are simply too expensive for the average person:
- Globally, an average smartphone in 2021 cost around $363, and that price has only gone up.
- Compare that to what many Africans earn: average monthly incomes can be around $796, but in many places, it’s far less. This means a new phone can be a huge, almost impossible, financial jump.
- In some countries, like Angola, a basic, low-end smartphone can even cost more than the local minimum wage.
This huge price difference means that unless we find solutions, more people could get pushed out of the digital world instead of being brought in.
Smart Ways to Make the Switch Easier
Thankfully, there are several strategies gaining traction to help bridge this gap:
1. Creative Financing with Security
“Buy-Now-Pay-Later” (BNPL) plans are proving very effective. They allow people to pay for their phones in small, manageable installments without needing a formal credit history. The key to making these work is secure smartphone device locking technology, which allows the phone to be remotely disabled if payments are missed.
- Affordable Phones & Helping Hands
Some mobile operators are stepping up. For example, MTN Rwanda has an “IKOSORA+” smartphone, often with government support, to make 4G devices more accessible. In South Africa, MTN plans to roll out 1.2 million budget 4G phones starting at incredibly low prices (around $5.40) specifically to help low-income users during the 2G/3G shutdown.
- Old for New & Refurbished Options
Encouraging people to trade in their old 2G devices for credit towards a new one can make upgrades more appealing. Refurbished smartphones could also be a cost-effective option, but they face challenges like not enough supply, worries about quality, and a lack of proper places to sell them.
- Government & Funding Support
Governments and regulators have a big role to play. They can lower import taxes on smartphones, offer subsidies through “Universal Service Funds” (money collected from telecom operators to expand services), and form partnerships with private companies. Plus, running campaigns to teach people digital skills and raise awareness is crucial, so they know how to use their new devices.
What Happens If We Don’t Act?
If we ignore this problem and people can’t afford to upgrade, the consequences are severe:
- Millions could be cut off from essential services they currently rely on: mobile banking, emergency contacts, daily communication, and vital digital tools.
- Many reports show that in some African countries, more than half of mobile users are still on basic feature phones. This highlights just how many lives could be negatively impacted if they lose their only connection.
Looking Ahead
Africa’s decision to move away from 2G is a smart technological step – it promises faster, more efficient mobile services. But if we don’t actively make newer devices affordable, this progress could accidentally leave behind the very people who need connectivity the most.
To ensure a fair and inclusive transition, we need a broad approach: blending inventive payment plans, offering budget-friendly devices, getting strong policy support, providing subsidies, and building better programs for refurbished phones.
In short, getting rid of 2G is necessary for Africa’s mobile future. But if we don’t combine it with solid plans to keep devices affordable and accessible, we risk widening the digital divide.
