LAGOS, June 23 – Nigeria’s 3G era is gradually coming to an end as MTN Group plans to switch off some of its 3G networks before 2030, reflecting a wider move across Africa to shift customers to faster 4G and 5G services.
Speaking during the company’s Capital Markets Day on June 11, MTN Group’s Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer, Selorm Adadevoh, said the operator is putting together a plan to phase out parts of its 3G network over the next few years. Although no timeline has been announced for Nigeria, he said some markets are already ready for the transition.
For telecom operators, the move is largely about making better use of network infrastructure. As fewer people remain on 3G, operators can free up spectrum and tower capacity for 4G and 5G services, where demand continues to grow.
Nigeria’s 3G journey began in 2006 when Starcomms launched the country’s first 3G service. The rollout gathered pace in 2007 after the Nigerian Communications Commission issued 2GHz spectrum licences to MTN Nigeria, Celtel Nigeria, Globacom and Alheri Engineering for $150 million each, generating $600 million for the government.
The technology played a major role in Nigeria’s internet growth, driving the BlackBerry era, smartphone adoption and the rise of online media, e-commerce and fintech platforms. By 2014 and 2015, 3G accounted for an estimated 45% to 50% of active mobile connections, according to GSMA Intelligence.
Today, however, its share has fallen sharply. Nigerian Communications Commission data shows 3G penetration dropped to 5.32% in April 2026, compared with 54.41% for 4G and 35.93% for 2G. Meanwhile, 5G, which launched commercially in 2022, reached 4.34% penetration.
Some industry experts believe it may still be too early to retire 3G, arguing that 4G connections should reach about 85% to 90% before operators fully switch off the older network.
