Minister Ntshavheni thinks it's acceptable to cut off millions of South Africans
8 September 2022
The Minister of Communications, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has announced a sweeping draft plan to shut down 2G and 3G devices, beginning in as little as nine months. Minister Ntshavheni calls it the “next-generation radio frequency spectrum”. This would include banning the licencing of all 2G and 3G devices, as well as the suspension of services on these networks.
Perhaps the Minister should have spoken with the citizens of this country before announcing such a move. One of the most threatened groups in South Africa, our rural-based farmers, rely almost exclusively on 2 and 3G devices. Had she checked, this information is easily attainable.
It is firstly important to note that 4G and 5G devices are considerably more expensive than 2 and 3G devices. This means that South Africans who currently use the 2 and 3G networks, would see their devices rendered useless. Citizens who cannot afford it would then be forced to spend more money, just to stay connected to a network. The very lives of farmers and farmworkers, who rely on contacting neighbours when under attack, will be endangered.
Vodafone has revealed that about 6 million 2G devices are sold annually in South Africa and that about 14 million of its customers are still using 2G phones.