The Great 2G Scandal: Why South Africa’s Poor are Being Ripped Off by Outdated Phones
As the government pushes for a 2G and 3G shutdown, a shocking investigation reveals that the cheapest phones in South Africa are still only supporting 2G networks. But why are the poor being forced to buy outdated technology?
The answer lies in the profit margins of the telecoms industry. By selling cheap, outdated phones, operators are making a killing while keeping the masses in the dark ages of mobile technology. It’s a classic case of exploitation, and it’s happening right under our noses.
The Mobicel S2 and Itel 2163 are the cheapest feature phones in South Africa, retailing for a mere R149. But what do you get for your money? A phone that can only handle 2G networks, with 32MB of memory and 64MB of storage. It’s a phone that’s only good for making calls and sending SMSes.
But why are people buying these phones? The answer is simple: they can’t afford anything better. The cheapest 4G phone on the market starts at around R1 000, a price that’s out of reach for most South Africans. And that’s exactly what the telecoms industry wants.
By keeping the poor stuck in the 2G era, operators can continue to make huge profits while the government pushes for a shutdown of the outdated networks. It’s a vicious cycle that’s being perpetuated by the very people who are supposed to be serving the public interest.
But it’s not just the price that’s the problem. The feature phones are also designed to be durable, with longer battery life and fewer features that can be easily damaged. It’s a phone that’s designed to be used and discarded, rather than to be a tool for empowerment.
The government’s 2G/3G shutdown deadline is just around the corner, but it’s unlikely to make a significant difference to the lives of the poor. The telecoms industry will just find new ways to exploit them, and the cycle will continue.
It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. The 2G scandal is a clear example of how the telecoms industry is prioritizing profits over people. It’s time for the government to take action and ensure that all South Africans have access to affordable, 4G-enabled phones. Anything less is a betrayal of the public trust.
