Times Of Swaziland: ESWATINI  BANS  ‘BHOMPOMPO’ PHONES

ESWATINI  BANS  ‘BHOMPOMPO’ PHONES
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Mduduzi Magagula on 10/11/2024 09:14:00


MBABANE –The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has announced that
the country will soon be switching off second (2G) and third generation (3G)
mobile networks, signaling the end of an era for thousands of users still
relying on older mobile technology.
The move will result to the none functioning and ban of the low cost phones,
popularly known as ‘bhompompo’ in the country. This initiative is part of a
global trend toward phasing out outdated network technologies in favour of
faster, more efficient 4G and 5G systems. But what does this mean for users of
2G and 3G phones in Eswatini? The switch-off of 2G and 3G networks in Eswatini
will affect all users who still rely on older devices that operate on these
networks. In preparation of the phasing out of the network, no one will be
allowed to import mobile devices that use 2G and 3G only networks from December
31, 2024.
The network for these phones will be switched off from December 31, 2026, for
the 2G network and December 31, 2028 for 3G only network. With the announcement
from ESCCOM, mobile operators in the country are set to shift their focus to
more modern network infrastructure, namely 4G (LTE) and 5G, to improve coverage,
speed and efficiency. For users of 2G and 3G phones, this means their devices
will no longer be able to make calls, send text messages or access mobile data
once the networks are deactivated. Instead, they will need to upgrade to a 4G or
5G-enabled phone to continue using mobile services.
For 2G phone users, the most immediate impact will be the inability to make
voice calls or send text messages. Many users in Eswatini still rely on 2G
devices for basic communication due to their affordability, longer battery life
and simplicity.  However, with the 2G network being switched off, these phones
will become obsolete. For 3G phone users, the impact will be more gradual. While
these phones can still make calls and send texts, 3G networks also provide
mobile data services, which many users rely on for internet access. Without the
3G network, users with 3G-only devices will lose their ability to access mobile
data unless they upgrade to 4G-compatible devices.
The biggest implication for users is the need for an upgrade. Those using older
phones will need to switch to 4G or 5G smartphones to continue accessing both
voice services and mobile data. The transition to newer devices will have a
financial cost for many, especially low-income users or those living in rural
areas where 2G and 3G phones are still common.For businesses and organizations
using older mobile technology (e.g., for point-of-sale systems or communication
with employees), the switch-off will also require a system upgrade. These
businesses will need to invest in new devices or systems compatible with 4G/5G,
to ensure continued service.In rural areas, where 2G and 3G phones remain more
common, this move could create difficulties for some users who may not have the
means to afford newer smartphones.
Devices
Access to affordable 4G devices may be limited, and the change could create a
digital divide, making it harder for some citizens to stay connected, especially
those who rely on basic phones for communication. Eswatini is following a
growing trend around the world where countries are phasing out 2G and 3G
networks in favour of newer technologies. This transition is driven by the
demand for faster, more efficient networks and the need to free up valuable
spectrum for 4G and 5G services. Several countries have already completed or are
in the process of shutting down their older networks. Among them are:
United States: Major carriers like Verizon and AT&T began phasing out 3G in
2022, with full deactivation expected in 2023. T-Mobile followed suit,
officially shutting down its 2G and 3G networks by mid-2022.
United Kingdom: EE, O2 and Vodafone have already started switching off 2G and 3G
networks in some areas, with the UK’s goal of fully transitioning to 4G and 5G
by 2025.
Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Australia have all progressively
deactivated 3G networks, with some regions already completely on 4G and 5G.
Japan: NTT DoCoMo and other mobile operators in Japan began switching off 3G
services in 2021, as part of a broader shift to 5G.
South Korea: The country switched off its 2G networks in 2020, moving users to
3G, 4G and 5G systems.
The global shift toward 4G and 5G networks is being driven by the increasing
demand for faster internet speeds, more efficient data transmission and the
explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and services, which require more
bandwidth.