The Government of Rwanda has announced that 3G internet technology will be shut down nationwide on June 30, 2027, as part of continued efforts to accelerate the adoption of 4G and 5G.
This was contained in a statement released by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The statement says a plan is underway to phase out the use of 2G and 3G networks, being implemented gradually, in order to promote fast and affordable internet for all Rwandans.
In the statement, MINICT said: “The Government of Rwanda is phasing out 2G and 3G mobile network technologies, marking a step in the country’s journey toward faster, more reliable, and more affordable connectivity for every Rwandan.”
The Ministry added: “The nationwide switch-off of 3G services is scheduled for 30 June 2027. This will be followed by the retirement of 2G services, subject to a readiness assessment of network coverage, service continuity, and device adoption.”
“This transition will free up network capacity currently used to run two generations of aging technology, allowing mobile operators to invest fully in expanding and strengthening 4G and, over time, 5G coverage across the country,” the Ministry said.”
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation continued: “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.”
MINICT also said it is coordinating with the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA): “The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) are coordinating the transition with mobile network operators, government institutions, private sector and the public.”
It announced that implementation will be guided by agreed readiness indicators, including whether 4G service coverage and quality reaches the entire country.
It will also be assessed whether calls, text messages, mobile money, and emergency services continue to operate without interruption.
There will also be efforts to migrate services that depend on USSD, 2G, or 3G to the newer technology.
It will also be assessed whether there are sufficient and affordable devices (phones) available for those who need to move away from the technology being permanently shut down, alongside public awareness campaigns.
The Ministry also took the opportunity to ask the public to check whether their phones can receive 4G service based on their SIM cards: “The public is encouraged to check whether their phones and SIM cards support 4G. For example: MTN customers can dial *456*1# to check whether their SIM card is 3G or 4G, while Airtel customers can dial *255*5*4# for the same. Mobile operators will notify customers who may need to upgrade their devices and/or SIM cards.”
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