Are Your Tracking and Alarm Systems Ready for the 4G/5G Future

South Africa’s mobile networks are undergoing a major transition, with 2G and 3G connectivity being phased out and a full shutdown expected by December 2027.

While this shift will support faster, more efficient 4G and 5G services, it has important implications for our clients, particularly if you rely on older technology for vehicle tracking or home security.

Here’s Why It Matters Before 2027

Many tracking and alarm systems still in use today, were installed years ago and operate on 2G or 3G networks. As mobile operators decommission towers supporting these legacy networks, affected devices may stop working altogether and often without any obvious sign to the user.

This poses two key risks:

Security Risk: A malfunctioning system means your home or vehicle may not be adequately protected.

Insurance Risk: If your insurance policy specifies the need for an active tracking device or alarm; a non-functional system could impact your ability to claim.

As mobile networks evolve, so should your protection. We encourage our clients to take a closer look at the technology that underpins their security systems and take proactive steps to stay protected.

4 Ways to Stay Protected and Aligned with Your Cover

Check Your System’s Compatibility: Contact your security or tracking device provider to confirm whether your device uses 2G or 3G. If it does, ask about upgrade options that support 4G, 5G, or dual-network capabilities that are compatible with the newer infrastructure.

Schedule a Functionality Test: Even if your system appears to be working, regular testing ensures it performs reliably and continues to meet your policy's security requirements.

Update Your Insurance Information: This is the ideal opportunity to review whether your current policy reflects and covers for your home, vehicle and valuables. If you recently made changes to your security setup, let us know. This ensures your cover reflects your current risk profile and helps avoid claim complications. Reviewing your policy also ensures you’re not left underinsured and that you still meet all security-related conditions of covers.

Stay Connected: Make sure your service provider has your most up-to-date contact details, so you don’t miss any important alerts or service updates related to the network transition.

Proactive Protection, Expertly Delivered

We have already partnered with selected security providers to help our clients access modern, future-ready systems. You can find a list of these approved service providers on our Client Portal under Smart Protect.

We are here to guide you through this transition, ensuring that both your cover and your security systems continue to deliver when you need them most.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The phase-out of 2G and 3G connectivity is already underway in many regions. Waiting until your system fails or worse, until a security incident occurs could leave you exposed and potentially without valid cover. Taking a proactive approach now ensures your protection stays in place and your policy requirements are met.

Take Action Now and speak to your security provider and one of our contact centre advisers to confirm that both your systems and your insurance cover are ready for the future.

Santam understands that true protection isn’t just about having cover in place but about making sure it works when it matters most. This is why insurance is not just as a safety net, but as a tailored partnership built on understanding and foresight.

Whether it’s your home, your car, or the life you’ve built, our goal is to help you protect what matters most, so you can live in the moment.

Related articles:

Public alert: Ensure you are upgraded to 4g / 5g connectivity; outdated tech could cost you