Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) took steps towards the switch-off of 2G and 3G networks. These actions included  switching off networks and adopting plans for switch-off.

The actions are based on commercial or regulatory objectives, such as reducing the cost of mobile networks and making more spectrum available for new mobile technologies, including 5G.

Cullen International’s updated benchmark on 2G and 3G networks switch-off shows the status in 13 MENA countries.

In Bahrain and Jordan, some mobile operators decided to switch off their 2G network for commercial reasons but, in the United Arab Emirates, mobile operators switched off their 2G networks after being asked to do so by the telecoms regulator.

In Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, some operators switched off their 3G networks for commercial reasons.

Additional 2G and 3G networks are planned to be phased out in Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Türkiye.

No operators in Algeria, Egypt and Morocco switched off or have plans to switch off any 2G or 3G networks.

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