Mauritius has confirmed the phased withdrawal of its 3G mobile networks. In a press communiqué issued on 28 May 2026, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) set out the official position on the 3G shutdown, following a Government decision endorsed on 3 October 2025 to phase out 3G services in the country.
The move clears the way for continued investment in 4G and 5G, and signals important changes for anyone importing or relying on 3G-only devices.
What Has Been Announced
The Government endorsed the decision to phase out 3G in response to operational considerations raised by mobile operators. Mauritius’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have already begun the phased decommissioning of their 3G networks, with each operator managing the transition on its own schedule.
The operators have confirmed that 3G mobile services will not be offered beyond 2028 at the latest. The transition is intended to support the ongoing roll-out of 4G and 5G networks, which deliver faster, more reliable, and higher-quality services.
Why This Matters
Once the 3G networks are switched off, devices that rely solely on 3G will stop working. According to ICTA, this includes certain mobile phones, vehicle trackers, and machine-to-machine (M2M) equipment.
Most consumers already use 4G or 5G-capable devices and will not be affected. The real impact falls on older equipment and on product categories where 3G-only modules are still common, particularly trackers and M2M/IoT devices that may not be top of mind when people think about the switch-off.
ICTA's Guidance
Acting under its mandate in the Information and Communication Technologies Act 2001, ICTA has urged the public to:
- Stop importing and using 3G-only devices, and
- Adopt devices compatible with newer technologies such as 4G LTE and 5G, which ensure continued service quality and network compatibility.
ICTA has noted that the MNOs will communicate their individual 3G shutdown plans through dedicated campaigns, and that questions about specific timeframes should be directed to the relevant mobile operator.
What This Means for Manufacturers and Importers
For businesses placing connected products on the Mauritian market, the direction is clear: 3G-only products are reaching the end of their viable life in Mauritius.
Manufacturers and importers of mobile phones, trackers, and M2M/IoT equipment should review their product lines and ensure that devices destined for Mauritius support 4G LTE and 5G rather than relying on 3G connectivity. Planning this transition early helps avoid devices that cannot be sold, imported, or relied upon once the networks are fully decommissioned.
To read the official documentation, refer to the ICTA press communiqué of 28 May 2026 below.
How C-PRAV Can Support You
C-PRAV helps manufacturers and importers achieve global market access for radio, wireless, and telecom products. As markets transition away from legacy networks, our team can support your move to 4G LTE and 5G-capable devices through radio and EMC testing, RF exposure assessment, and the type-approval and certification documentation needed to keep your products compliant and market-ready.
Have questions? We’re here to help.