Warning for people who use 2G and 3G in South Africa

The warning for people who use 2G and 3G in South Africa is growing more urgent, as Santam, a leading insurance company, has raised the alarm over the impending network shutdown. This move could leave countless homeowners and vehicle owners vulnerable if their security systems rely on outdated 2G and 3G connectivity.

Santam issues major alert on 2G and 3G reliance

Santam’s chief underwriting officer, Thabo Twalo, recently issued a public statement cautioning that many South African households and vehicles still operate on older technology. This warning stems from growing network reductions, with mobile operators quietly switching off towers supporting 2G and 3G infrastructure.

“Many tracking and alarm systems still rely on 2G or 3G to transmit data,” said Twalo. “As more towers go offline, these devices may stop working — often without the user knowing.”

This has led to concerns that vehicle tracking systems will fail to transmit location data, making stolen vehicles unrecoverable. Moreover, insurance claims may be rejected if policyholders have not updated their systems to operate on 4G or 5G networks.

How the 2G and 3G network shutdown affects South Africa

The 2G and 3G network shutdown isn’t a future event anymore — it’s already happening. Twalo warned that some parts of the country have already lost coverage, increasing the risk of system failures. While the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has not set a hard deadline, mobile network operators (MNOs) have begun phasing out these legacy networks.

This means the shutdown timeline is inconsistent across regions, depending on the decisions and infrastructure strategies of each MNO. This uncertainty amplifies the urgency for South Africans to review and replace their security systems if they want to remain protected.

Policyholders face insurance complications

The Santam insurance warning is not just a precaution—it’s a call to action. Twalo emphasized that failing to upgrade could result in insurance disputes, especially where claims involve stolen vehicles or home break-ins not detected due to inactive alarm systems.

“We want to avoid tough discussions at the claims stage,” Twalo stated. “The sooner our policyholders switch to LTE or 5G-compatible systems, the better.”

The insurer urged South Africans to verify their tracking and alarm devices and replace them with modern alternatives that support South Africa’s evolving connectivity infrastructure.

South Africa changes course on 2G/3G shutdown plan

Initially, the government had proposed a national deadline of December 2027 to fully retire 2G and 3G networks. However, that plan has now shifted. In a July 2025 parliamentary presentation, the DCDT announced that mobile network operators will now dictate the pace of the shutdown.

Former Minister Mondli Gungubele’s structured timeline was shelved after industry backlash. Tracking companies, consumer groups, and telecoms all raised alarms that many services would be disrupted prematurely, especially in low-income areas where newer devices are unaffordable.

Affordability and transition remain key concerns

South Africa faces a digital divide when it comes to upgrading from older devices. Many South Africans — particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas — still rely on cheap 2G and 3G-enabled devices due to cost constraints. Upgrading to 4G and 5G-ready systems requires significant financial investment, which not everyone can afford.

“MNOs have flagged affordability as a major barrier,” said Ndinannyi Libago, acting deputy director-general for the DCDT. “We are now monitoring operator-led shutdowns to ensure no communities are unfairly cut off.”

Government sets monitoring framework

Instead of enforcing a universal cut-off date, the communications department has developed a quarterly monitoring plan for the 2025/26 financial year:

• Q1: Develop monitoring framework for 2G/3G shutdown

• Q2: Consult MNOs on phase-out progress

• Q3: Monitor shutdown according to new-generation spectrum policies

• Q4: Continue monitoring and evaluate policy compliance

This approach allows more flexibility for both providers and consumers but also places more responsibility on individuals to stay informed and make the necessary transitions.

What South Africans should do now

With the 2G and 3G network shutdown already in motion, Santam and the government urge citizens to take proactive steps:

✅ Check your devices

Determine whether your vehicle tracker or home alarm system uses 2G or 3G.

✅ Contact your service provider

Ask if your current system is affected by the tower shutdown and if an upgrade is necessary.

✅ Switch to LTE or 5G

Consider replacing outdated equipment with devices that are compatible with 4G LTE or 5G, which are the future of South Africa connectivity.

✅ Confirm with your insurer

Ensure that your new system meets insurance compliance standards to avoid disputes when filing claims.

Conclusion: Transition now to avoid disappointment

The warning for people who use 2G and 3G in South Africa is not hypothetical — it’s real, active, and pressing. Santam’s alert serves as a critical reminder that failing to adapt to South Africa’s changing digital landscape can leave you exposed and unprotected.

Vehicle tracking systems, alarm monitoring services, and insurance claims are all at stake. Upgrading your system today could save you thousands in claims and recoveries tomorrow.

Here are five references from mainstream South African media covering the 2G and 3G shutdown, Santam’s warning, and related connectivity issues:

1. MyBroadband – “Warning for people who use 2G and 3G in South Africa”
   Santam alerts users that alarm and tracking systems relying on legacy 2G/3G networks are at risk as mobile operators begin shutting down towers. eNCA+15MyBroadband+15MyBroadband+15X (formerly Twitter)+3MyBroadband+3Moonstone+3
   🔗 https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/602427-warning-for-people-who-use-2g-and-3g-in-south-africa.html

2. eNCA – “Insurance matters | Shift from 3G to 5G affecting insurance coverage”
   Feature on Thabo Twalo from Santam explaining how 3G shutdown disrupts insurance coverage via tracking/alarm system failures. MyBroadband+1Help Centre+1eNCA+5eNCA+5insurancebiz.co.za+5
   🔗 https://www.enca.com/videos/insurance-matters-shift-3g-5g-affecting-insurance-coverage

3. TechCentral – “Operators to decide 2G/3G shutdown timeline”
   Reports that mobile network operators will now determine their own timelines for phasing out 2G and 3G, not the government. eNCATechCentral+3TechCentral+3Help Centre+3
   🔗 https://techcentral.co.za/operators-decide-2g-3g-shutdown-timeline/266125/

4. News24 (Business) – “SA operators want 2G, 3G networks off – but millions aren’t ready yet”
   Highlights how operators push to retire legacy networks while millions of users still rely on them, raising readiness concerns. insurancebiz.co.za+15News24+15Help Centre+15opensignal.com+1Telco Magazine+1
   🔗 https://www.news24.com/business/companies/sa-operators-want-2g-3g-networks-off-but-millions-arent-ready-yet-20250706-1121

5. Santam (Official Media Centre) – “Santam 2025 insurance barometer highlights ongoing …”
   Santam’s own media release emphasizing the risks of decommissioning 2G/3G networks on alarm and tracking systems. onomondo.com+2News24+2Help Centre+2santam.co.za+4santam.co.za+4MyBroadband+4
   🔗 https://www.santam.co.za/about-us/media-centre/corporate-news/santam-2025-insurance-barometer-highlights-ongoing-socioeconomic-infrastructure-and-climate-change-risks/