Sunrise to Sunset: The Phasing Out 2G and 3G Networks and its potential impact on Mobile Health initiatives in Africa

The 2G/3G sunset refers to the gradual phase-out and discontinuation of 2G and 3G networks, aiming to transition to more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. This sunsetting process allows countries to free up radio frequency on the spectrum, leading to faster and more efficient internet connectivity. In South Africa, the proposed shutdown of 2G and 3G is scheduled for the end of March 2024 and 2025, respectively.

These legacy networks have achieved significant penetration and played a crucial role in enabling communication through Short Message Services (SMS) and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) strings. These technologies facilitated communication with individuals in the most remote parts of Africa, leading to the development of essential mobile health platforms.

One such platform is MomConnect, an initiative by the South African National Department of Health that aims to support maternal health through cellphone-based technologies integrated into maternal and child health services. They believe that appropriate cellphone technology usage has the potential to accelerate interventions that improve Mother and Child Health outcomes.

In Kenya, mobile phones have a substantial presence, with 33.6 million subscribers representing an 82.6% country penetration. Subscribers in Kenya prefer to use text messages (SMS) over calling, and this communication method has been successfully utilised to enhance various health-related aspects, such as antiretroviral (ART) adherence, retention of HIV-exposed infants in care, improved childhood vaccination campaigns, and postoperative care support for men after medical male circumcision.

Additionally, text message reminders for child vaccinations have been found to be acceptable among mothers in Northwest Ethiopia, although barriers like low mobile phone ownership, limited access to mobile networks, lack of electricity, and illiteracy among the target population may affect implementation.

While 5G connectivity has already been established in several African countries like South Africa, Seychelles, Botswana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, with plans to expand to other nations soon, this technological upgrade brings both benefits and challenges for mobile health initiatives on the continent.

According to the GSM Association, although 3G connectivity is on the decline, it remains a dominant technology in the region and is expected to account for over 50% of connections until 2025. This indicates that the impact of the 2G/3G sunset on mobile health initiatives should be closely monitored to ensure continued access to health services for the population.

In conclusion, the transition from 2G and 3G networks to more advanced technologies in Africa offers opportunities for improved internet connectivity, but it also poses challenges for existing mobile health platforms that rely on these legacy networks. Proper planning and adaptation strategies will be essential to ensure that mobile health services continue to thrive amidst the changing technological landscape.

Stay Blessed.