Technology

MBABANE – The days of ‘bhompompo’ on store shelves are numbered.

Bhompompo is a colloquial term referring to simple, older-style mobile phones, also known as feature phones or second-generation devices.

The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has announced that, from November 30, 2025, no new imports of 2G and 3G cellular phones will be permitted. These devices, commonly known locally as ‘bhompompo’, will eventually disappear from the market.

Additionally, network support for 2G phones will be discontinued on December 31, 2028, while 3G support will end on December 31, 2030.

This development reaffirms the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology’s (ICT) recent pronouncement that these devices are being phased out as the country transitions to 4G, 5G and eventually 6G networks. The older networks are scheduled for shutdown in 2026. Following public outrage over the initial announcement of a 2026 ban, the news that imports will cease from November 2025 will likely come as a shock to some emaSwati.

ESCCOM Manager for Consumer Affairs and Communication Fisiwe Vilane said they were currently engaging stakeholders, particularly dealerships, in the retirement of 2G and 3G devices.

She said the commission aimed to help dealers understand why the bhompompo’ phase-out was necessary.

According to ESCCOM, the telecommunications industry has advanced significantly, giving rise to newer generations of mobile networks such as 4G, 5G and ongoing developments towards 6G. The commission stated that, due to increasing demands for high data rates, greater capacity, faster broadband services and lower latency, 4G and 5G have become the preferred technologies. This has necessitated the phasing out of 2G and 3G devices.

The commission highlighted that having had the 2G network for over 30 years and the 3G network for just over 20 years, these were losing relevance and becoming expensive to maintain. 

Yesterday, ESCCOM hosted the workshop to engage stakeholders affected by the impending import ban. Vilane said support would be extended to them, explaining that the workshop was meant to secure buy-in and prepare them for a market dominated by current-generation smartphones.

She said this support would include allowing dealerships to sell existing stock before network connectivity is phased out.

“We are looking at a gradual approach, rather than cutting off connectivity at once. This will give customers time to buy compatible devices and enable existing bompompo users to continue using them to their full capacity in the meantime,” Vilane explained.

She added that the commission had discussed with dealers strategies to move, their remaining stock more quickly before the ban takes effect.

Full article available in our paper.

‘Bhompompo’ is a colloquial term referring to simple, older-style mobile phones. (Pic: Sourced)