• Operators will expand 4G coverage, test Voice over LTE and run trial shutdowns before the national deadline
  • Rwanda will confirm the later 2G date only after reviewing device migration, coverage and service continuity

The fact

Rwanda will switch off its 3G mobile networks nationwide on 30 June 2027 as part of a government plan to retire older technologies. It is also working towards a 2G shutdown in December 2028, although that date will be confirmed only after the 3G transition has been reviewed.

During 2026, mobile operators will expand 4G coverage, test Voice over LTE and identify devices and services that still rely on 2G or 3G. Selected areas will undergo trial shutdowns before the national closure. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority will coordinate the work with operators and affected institutions.

The transition includes services such as mobile money, payments, utilities, transport, healthcare, public safety and government systems. Critical services may receive temporary extensions when migration cannot be completed safely, but each extension will require regulatory approval and a clear transition plan.

The assessment

The 3G deadline gives operators, businesses, and public agencies one timetable, but each has different work to complete. Operators must provide reliable 4G coverage and VoLTE, including emergency calls. Organisations must find and replace payment terminals, meters, trackers, alarms and other equipment that still depends on 2G or 3G.

A network can be ready while the services using it are not. Strong 4G coverage will not help an older device that cannot connect to the new network. Rwanda’s trial shutdowns should reveal these problems early enough for equipment to be replaced or, where necessary, for a temporary extension to be approved. For BTW readers, the success of the transition will depend on how thoroughly Rwanda identifies legacy devices and services before June 2027. The network can close on schedule only when those systems have been migrated, replaced or formally exempted.

What to watch

Trial shutdowns will show whether 4G coverage, VoLTE calling and device migration are ready for the June 2027 deadline. Rwanda should also report how many 3G-dependent devices remain in mobile money, utilities, payment systems and emergency services. The 2G timetable should stay provisional until the 3G closure shows which services still rely on older networks.