• Tunisia to phase out 3G network from mid-2027
• Central bank warns banks over POS disruption risks
• Shift aligns with Africa trend toward 4G, 5G rollout

Tunisian authorities plan to begin phasing out the country’s 3G network from the end of the first half of 2027 as part of a broader digital transformation strategy. The move raises questions about the impact on businesses, financial institutions and users.

The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) referred to the measure on Thursday, Feb. 19, in a note addressed to banks and the National Post Office. The central bank warned that the shutdown could affect equipment and systems that rely on mobile connectivity, particularly point-of-sale (POS) terminals and related payment solutions.

“Banks and the National Post Office are invited to take the necessary measures to prepare for this transition and to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure service continuity and proper functioning, and to mitigate logistical, operational or technical risks,” the statement said. It was signed by BCT Governor Fethi Zouhair Nouri.

A Continental Shift Under Way

Although Tunisian authorities have yet to detail the technical and economic rationale behind the decision, the 3G phase-out aligns with a broader trend across Africa to modernize mobile infrastructure. Several countries have launched or announced plans to deactivate legacy technologies in order to optimize spectrum use and concentrate investment on 4G and 5G networks.

South Africa has begun a gradual shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. Zambia has announced similar plans. More recently, Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) said it would start phasing out 2G and 3G this year to accelerate the transition to 4G, 5G and satellite services and expand broadband access.

CRAN said older technologies no longer meet modern connectivity standards and require significant resources to maintain while generating limited returns. Operators must sustain parallel and sometimes aging infrastructure even as they invest in higher-capacity networks.

The World Bank has echoed this assessment. In its Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023, it said removing older wireless networks could improve the efficiency of telecom investment in Africa by enhancing coverage and service quality. The Bank argues that maintaining 2G and 3G networks diverts capital expenditure because their average revenue per user (ARPU) remains below that of 4G and 5G.

It added that shutting down legacy networks would allow operators to reallocate valuable low-band spectrum, which is crucial for wide geographic coverage, to faster and more efficient technologies.

Supporting 5G Rollout, With Adjustments Ahead

In Tunisia, the 3G shutdown could support the rollout of 5G services launched in February 2025. Authorities describe 5G as a driver of digital transformation that could foster innovation, boost productivity and strengthen strategic sectors.

In an interview with the local media outlet Leaders in February 2025, Minister of Communication Technologies Sofiene Hemissi highlighted the expansion of use cases and the development of higher-value digital solutions. He pointed to potential benefits for healthcare, transport, energy, industry and public services.

However, the accelerated shift toward ultra-fast connectivity raises questions about digital inclusion. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 3G covered 99% of Tunisia’s population compared with 96% for 4G. The gap is relatively small but may still affect some rural or peripheral areas.

Data from the National Telecommunications Authority (INT) show that as of the end of September 2025, devices compatible only with 3G accounted for 5% of active connections. About 64% of devices were 4G-compatible, 7% supported 5G, 12% were limited to 2G and 12% were unidentified.

These figures suggest a relatively well-equipped market. Still, usage patterns may differ from technical compatibility. Most 4G and 5G smartphones are backward compatible with 2G and 3G networks, meaning some users may own newer devices while continuing to rely on older networks due to coverage constraints, cost considerations or habit.

Beyond individual consumers, 3G, like 2G, remains widely used for machine-to-machine communications, including POS terminals, vending machines, smart meters and certain industrial and transport systems.

Whether affected sectors can migrate to reliable alternatives within the announced timeframe remains uncertain. A smooth transition will be critical to avoid service disruptions once the 3G network is fully decommissioned.

Isaac K. Kassouwi