As part of a national initiative, the South African government has begun phasing out 2G and 3G mobile networks to make way for newer technologies like 4G and 5G. This may affect devices linked to insurance policies, such as vehicle trackers, security systems, and industrial equipment.
These devices could experience service disruptions or eventually stop functioning. Although the full shutdown is planned for December 2027, some mobile providers started decommissioning as early as January 2025, and certain devices have already lost connectivity.
Motor Vehicle Devices:
Clients using vehicle technology, such as tracking, telematics, or fleet management systems should verify whether their devices still rely solely on 2G or 3G networks. These products often use brand names that don’t clearly reflect the underlying technology, so it’s important to confirm the device model and specifications.
When considering upgrades, Radio Frequency (RF) tracking devices are a reliable alternative. Unlike GPS/GSM-based systems, RF Devices don’t rely on cellular networks and we have seen higher vehicle recovery rates in this space.
Property and Other Devices:
Clients using property security systems, certain industrial alarms, or other monitoring devices linked to control rooms should check with their service providers which network their equipment uses. Devices like fire alarms and gas detectors may also be affected by the shutdown.
Be proactive and make sure your device is compatible with your service provider; if not, an upgrade will be necessary.
What you need to do: Make sure that devices use 4G or 5G technology. This will prevent disappointment at claim stage.
Source: Santam