As discussions about the sunset of 2G and 3G networks increase across Africa, feature phone users are bracing for a significant change in their mobile phone experience. With the impending shutdown of these longstanding networks, feature phones – known for their simplicity and affordability – risk losing their relevance. In this blog, we explore the relationship between feature phones and 2G and 3G legacy networks, the anticipated impact on users continent-wide, and the challenges and opportunities that arise from this transition.
Understanding Feature Phones and Their Users
Feature phones have become a cornerstone of connectivity across Africa. These basic mobile devices offer essential communication features such as calling, texting, and sometimes limited internet access. Unlike smartphones, feature phones are characterised by their simplicity, durability, long battery life, and affordability.
In Africa, certain demographics heavily rely on these feature phones. Rural populations, often lacking access to reliable electricity and internet infrastructure, find feature phones more suitable due to their long battery life and robustness. Low-income earners favour feature phones because they are significantly cheaper than smartphones and have lower maintenance costs. The elderly, who may be less tech-savvy, also often prefer the straightforward interface of feature phones, making them easier to use.
Over and above the usability feature, phones play an essential role in bridging the digital divide in Africa. They provide a means of communication and access to essential services for populations with limited resources or technological literacy. By offering affordable connectivity solutions, feature phones enable users in underserved areas to participate in economic activities, access vital information, and stay connected with their communities, which contributes to socio-economic development and inclusion. Now that we understand why feature phones are so popular across the continent let’s examine the connection between these phones and legacy networks.
The Connection between Feature Phones and the Significance of 2G and 3G Networks
In Africa, the adoption and expansion of 2G and 3G networks have played a pivotal role in shaping communication and access to information. Initially introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, these technologies rapidly spread across the continent, offering basic voice communication, text messaging, and limited internet access. Their significance lies in their ability to connect previously isolated communities, particularly in rural areas with limited infrastructure.
2G and 3G networks have facilitated a wide range of services and applications, including voice calls, SMS, mobile banking, and basic internet browsing. These technologies have enabled access to vital information, such as healthcare services, agricultural advice, and educational resources, which have empowered individuals and communities.
Even in GMSA’s latest Mobile Economy report, the reliance on 2G and 3G networks is evident. According to the report, 2G usage accounts for 14% of mobile technology usage in Sub-Saharan Africa, while 55% use 3G networks. Despite the growing adoption of 4G (31%) and emerging 5G (1%) technologies, 2G and 3G networks remain essential due to their wide coverage and affordability.
The impact of 2G and 3G networks on communication, information access, and economic activities is significant. They have facilitated business transactions, improved market access for small-scale entrepreneurs, and enabled remote work and education. However, the reliance on these networks highlights the digital divide, as access to higher-speed technologies like 4G and 5G remains uneven across the region. Currently, at 55%, smartphone adoption is steadily increasing but is still restricted by factors such as affordability and network coverage. Closing this gap requires continued investment in infrastructure and efforts to make advanced technologies more accessible to all population segments.
Given the reliance on these legacy networks by feature phone users, what will the shutdown’s implications be? We explore this answer in more detail below.
Implications of Shutdown on Feature Phone Users
The sunset of 2G and 3G networks presents significant challenges for feature phone users in Africa. The terms “2G sunset” and “3G sunset” refer to the process of phasing out 2G and 3G wireless networks by mobile network operators. Once a 2G or 3G sunset occurs, devices built for 2G or 3G will become completely inoperable.
Basic communication services such as calls and SMS, which heavily rely on these networks, will be disrupted, affecting millions who rely on these services for daily communication. Additionally, access to essential services like mobile banking, healthcare information, and emergency assistance will be limited, particularly in rural areas where feature phones are prevalent due to limited infrastructure.
One potential solution for feature phone users is to upgrade to affordable smartphones, which offer access to a wider range of digital services through newer network technologies like 4G and emerging 5G. However, this has challenges, including affordability and accessibility, especially for low-income individuals and those in remote areas.
The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks may also impact smartphone users with limited data plans, as they rely on these networks for basic services. Increased reliance on 4G networks could lead to network congestion, potentially affecting service quality and accessibility, particularly in densely populated areas.
Although there are many challenges, there are also various opportunities to solve these, which we explore below.
Opportunities for Innovation
The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks presents several opportunities for innovation in Africa’s telecommunications landscape as well as opportunities to bridge the digital divide.
Firstly, the spectrum freed up from the decommissioned networks can be reallocated for faster 4G and emerging 5G technologies. This allows for improved network efficiency and enhanced data speeds, enabling a broader range of digital services and applications.
Telcos and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) can innovate by developing affordable smartphone packages and data plans tailored to the needs of low-income users. By offering subsidised handsets and flexible payment options, they can make smartphones more accessible to a wider demographic, which will drive greater adoption and reduce the digital divide.
Innovations in alternative communication technologies for feature phones are also vital. Tech companies and NGOs can explore solutions such as voice-based services, text-based applications, and offline content delivery systems to ensure continued access to basic communication and essential services for feature phone users.
By fostering innovation and collaboration, these organisations can help ensure a smooth and inclusive transition to newer network technologies while continuing to support those reliant on feature phones.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that the sunset of 2G and 3G networks in Africa poses challenges for feature phone users, risking disruption of basic services and widening the digital divide. While transitioning to newer technologies offers solutions, affordability remains a barrier. However, this shift also sparks opportunities for innovation. Reallocating spectrum for faster networks, promoting smartphone adoption, and developing tailored packages for underserved communities can bridge the gap. Collaborative efforts from governments, Telcos, and NGOs are essential to ensure a smooth transition and foster digital inclusion across the continent.
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Experienced in the Telecoms & IT industries, encompassing services and solutions from the traditional to the evolved digital communication networks, embracing profound knowledge and proficiency in both the technical and sales disciplines. Product Management, including construct, software lifecycle, roadmap strategy and market leadership of Adapt IT’s portfolio of Next Gen Value Added Services (NG-VAS) solution stream.
