What have authorities done to prepare for 2G cessation?

To prepare for 2G cessation, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has promulgated Circular 43/2020 which took effect on July 1, 2021, clearly stipulating that individuals and institutions can no longer manufacture and trade 2G-only phone devices in Vietnam.

After September 15, 2024, 2G-only devices will not be able to connect to the networks. I have to stress that 2G devices with 4G integrated can still be used as usual. The complete cessation of the 2G mobile network frequency band will be implemented in accordance with a roadmap designed by MIC.

In late 2023, the HCM City Department of Information and Communications joined forces with the Thu Duc City People’s Committee and district authorities inspected mobile phone shops in the city and did not discover any shop trading 2G-only devices.

Radio frequency spectrum is identified as a national resource which is limited. In principle, to develop 5G network or mobile telecommunications services with higher socio-economic value, it is necessary to reclaim frequency bands with less value to reallocate this frequency bands to services with higher value. Therefore, stopping 2G was inevitable.

Could you please tell us how many subscribers in HCM City are using 2G-only devices?

The latest report by the Authority of Telecommunications showed that there are 330,054 2G-only subscribers in HCM City out of total 13,919,712 subscribers, which accounts for 2.37 percent (by second quarter 2024).

A high number of people mostly use 2G phone devices, especially elderly and users in rural and remote areas. The 2G cessation may cause difficulties for them as this requires them to access new technology and products.

So, we think that the cessation would have influence on society, but the influences won’t be significant.

Does HCM City have any policies to support people to switch from 2G to 4G?

In early 2024, the HCM City Department of Information and Communications and the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs proposed policies on supporting poor and nearly-poor households in HCM City communications devices and mobile telecommunication services (in accordance with poverty standards set by the city). The policy is expected to be completed by April 30, 2025.

The three largest mobile networks in Vietnam are running programs with preferences offered in service packages for clients switching from 2G to 4G. Viettel offers financial support to those who are shifting from 2G-only devices to smartphones.

Le My