MTN Ghana, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, has revealed plans to gradually phase out its 2G and 3G networks to optimize spectrum use and advance its 4G and 5G infrastructure.
The announcement was made by CEO Stephen Blewett during a press briefing at the Digital Africa Summit in Accra on September 3, 2025.
Speaking to journalists, Blewett highlighted the need for a cautious approach to ensure a smooth transition for subscribers, many of whom still rely on 2G and 3G networks. “A lot of our customers are still operating on 3G.
Even though 4G is widely available, some choose to stay on 3G because they feel data usage is faster on 4G. Others, however, use older devices that don’t support 4G,” he explained. He noted that as of mid-2023, 71% of mobile users in Ghana were on 3G, 14% on 2G, and only 15% on 4G, underscoring the significant reliance on legacy networks.
Blewett emphasized that MTN Ghana is committed to avoiding disruptions for its customers, particularly those in rural areas or using feature phones. “If we push to shut down 2G and 3G without ensuring customers have affordable 4G devices, we risk leaving people behind,” he cautioned, highlighting the challenge of device affordability.
This aligns with industry concerns about a potential mobile device affordability crisis in Africa, where the cost of a smartphone can exceed the average monthly salary in some regions.
The phase-out is part of a broader global trend to retire 2G and 3G networks to free up spectrum for faster 4G and 5G technologies, which offer superior data speeds and connectivity. While no specific timeline was provided for MTN Ghana’s phase-out, Blewett’s comments suggest a gradual process to align with device availability and customer readiness. This approach contrasts with other African markets like South Africa, where a structured plan aims to sunset 2G and 3G by December 2027.
MTN Ghana has already made significant strides in expanding 4G coverage, reaching 99.3% of the population by the end of 2022 through the deployment of 1,142 new 4G sites and modernization of 820 existing ones. The company is also preparing for a potential 5G rollout, pending government approval, as part of its collaboration with the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to deliver nationwide 5G services by June 2025.
The announcement comes amid MTN Ghana’s efforts to address other challenges, including recent scrutiny over cybersecurity concerns and mobile money (MoMo) fraud allegations. In April 2025, the Data Protection Commission launched a probe into a potential cybersecurity breach, while MTN’s CEO clarified that alleged MoMo account breaches were due to user disclosure rather than system flaws.
As MTN Ghana navigates this transition, the focus remains on ensuring digital inclusion and affordability. Blewett’s remarks underscore the company’s commitment to balancing technological advancement with the needs of its diverse customer base, particularly in a market where legacy networks still play a critical role in voice, SMS, and mobile money services.
This is a developing story. Further updates on MTN Ghana’s phase-out timeline and 5G plans will be provided as details emerge.
