MTN Ghana has announced plans to gradually phase out its 2G and 3G networks. This will enable its subscribers ample time to transition to modern technology.
The announcement was made by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewettat, at the Digital Africa Summit held in Accra.
According to Mr. Blewettat, a considerable number of their subscribers still rely on the older networks, a situation he linked to judicious use of data and use of 4G incompatible devices.
“Despite the widespread availability of 4G, a lot of our customers are still on 3G. For some, it is about managing their data consumption, while others are constrained by devices that cannot support 4G,” Mr Blewett said.
He said MTN aims to enhance its spectrum efficiency by shutting down outdated networks.
“We cannot simply switch off 2G and 3G without ensuring that affordable 4G devices are within reach. Doing so would risk excluding a large number of Ghanaians,” he cautioned.
Although the move is a step in the right direction, Ghanaians with devices incompatible with 4G network will have to bear the cost of newer devices to continue enjoying MTN’s services.