As per the scheduled cessation of 2G mobile technology in Vietnam, from September 16, 2024, telecommunications providers will cease services for devices that support only GSM (2G) standards. After this date, any mobile device reliant solely on 2G technology will no longer be functional.

In preparation, from March 1 of this year, 2G phones not certified by the Ministry of Information and Communications have been prohibited from connecting to mobile networks.

Retailers halt sales of 2G phones

Despite the approaching cutoff date, it remains relatively easy to find 2G-only phones at small mobile shops or online marketplaces. These devices are mostly second-hand, though some new units are still available for collectors.

Most major retail systems have already removed 2G phones from their product listings. Speaking to VietNamNet, Nguyen The Kha, Commercial Director of FPT Shop, confirmed that the chain stopped selling 2G products six months ago.

"Our current offerings are all equipped with 4G or higher technology, including feature phones that cater to basic communication needs," Kha stated.

Similarly, Nguyen Minh Khue, a representative from Viettel Store, confirmed that their stores only sell 4G and 5G phones. "As technology advances and smartphone prices become more accessible, the demand for 2G phones naturally declines," Khue explained.

A representative from CellphoneS also confirmed that pure 2G models are no longer available in their stores. "4G feature phones account for only 2-3% of our sales, with the remaining 97-98% coming from smartphones. The discontinuation of 2G services won't significantly impact our feature phone sales," the representative shared.

Demand for affordable phones remains

The 2G shutdown aims to accelerate the National Digital Transformation Program, which seeks to provide 4G/5G coverage and smartphones to every Vietnamese citizen, facilitating rapid access to digital environments and mobile broadband services. However, some users still prefer basic, low-cost phones.

According to D.V. Thanh, who runs a vintage phone shop in Hanoi, such devices are mainly sought by collectors, seniors, or as backup phones for emergencies rather than long-term use.

Nguyen The Kha from FPT Shop noted that there is still a market for basic phones among Vietnamese consumers who value durability, long battery life, and affordability.

With a significant number of mobile users needing to upgrade their devices by September, retail chains have stocked various products across different price segments to meet the demand.

Trong Dat