The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) of Mauritius has issued a press communique confirming the phased shutdown of 3G mobile services nationwide, with full decommissioning to be completed no later than 2028. The decision, endorsed by government on October 3, 2025, follows operational input from the country’s mobile network operators (MNOs), who have already begun decommissioning 3G infrastructure on individual schedules. ICTA states the move supports continued investment in 4G and 5G network rollout. The authority is now urging the public and device importers to shift away from 3G-only equipment ahead of the network’s retirement.
Mauritius Government Endorses Phased 3G Network Decommissioning
Mauritius’s decision to phase out 3G mobile services was endorsed by government on October 3, 2025, based on operational recommendations from the country’s MNOs. Rather than a single cutoff date, MNOs are decommissioning 3G infrastructure according to their own individual schedules, with ICTA confirming that all 3G services will be discontinued no later than 2028. ICTA frames the phase-out as a deliberate step to support continued 4G and 5G network expansion across Mauritius.
Impact on 3G-Only Devices and M2M Equipment Importation
Once 3G networks are decommissioned, any device that relies solely on 3G connectivity will stop functioning. ICTA specifically identifies mobile phones, vehicle trackers, and machine-to-machine (M2M) equipment as device categories at risk. The authority notes that most mobile users in Mauritius are already using 4G or 5G-capable devices, which limits the scale of disruption, but equipment such as 3G-only trackers and M2M modules used in industrial or fleet applications may require closer attention from importers and end users.
Transition to 4G LTE and 5G-Compatible Device Certification
In light of the phase-out, ICTA is urging the public to discontinue the importation and use of 3G-only devices and to adopt 4G LTE or 5G-compatible alternatives instead. This guidance has direct implications for any company importing connected devices, trackers, or M2M equipment into Mauritius, as products built around legacy 3G modules will have a shrinking window of usability ahead of the 2028 deadline.
Regulatory Guidance for Manufacturers and Importers Under the ICT Act 2001
ICTA’s communique is issued under its mandate established by the ICT Act 2001, which governs the regulation of information and communication technologies in Mauritius. As part of the transition, mobile network operators are expected to run dedicated communication campaigns to inform subscribers of the 3G phase-out timeline. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying connected devices to the Mauritius market should account for this shift when planning product certification and device compatibility for the years leading up to full 3G decommissioning.
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Quick Country Facts
Mauritius
Certification Body: Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Testing Not Required
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