Nigeria, June 5 -- MTN has started the process of shutting down its 3G network in South Africa to create more room for faster 4G and 5G services.

The mobile operator said the complete phase-out of 3G will be done by the end of 2027, but work has already begun in areas where 4G is strong enough to handle user needs.

The company has already removed 3G from some parts of the country, as it now has wide 4G coverage that reaches 95% of the population.

In addition, MTN runs more than 4,000 active 5G sites, covering nearly half of South Africa.

The plan is to raise this number so that by the end of 2025, over 60% of people in the country will have access to 5G.

The decision to retire 3G is part of the South African government's goal to end ...