On September 13, 2024, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung signed Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BTTTT, which effectively delays the cessation of 2G services.

This move is intended to provide a buffer period for businesses and residents to address the extensive damages inflicted by the historic storm, which significantly impacted telecom infrastructure and customer communications.

Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Telecommunications Department, highlighted the ongoing efforts by mobile operators to transition subscribers from 2G-only services.

As of September 8, there are approximately 3.4 million 2G-only subscribers remaining - a notable reduction from the previous month. This rapid decrease reflects the focused efforts by the MIC and the mobile industry’s commitment to phasing out outdated 2G technology.

Bui Duc Nam, Director of the Hoa Binh Department of Information and Communications, mentioned a current shortfall in 4G phones which could affect the shutdown timeline in Hoa Binh province if not resolved timely.

Vo Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of VNPT VinaPhone Hoa Binh, shared that at the start of 2024, there were about 9,900 2G-only subscribers in Hoa Binh, primarily among elderly, economically disadvantaged households, and users of basic "brick phones" for secondary purposes.

The transition to 4G has been challenging due to a shortage of suitable 4G feature phones in the market, a sentiment echoed by several device suppliers and telecom operators.

According to Truong Minh Hoang, Business Development Director at The Gioi Di Dong, the retail chain is experiencing a surge in sales of 4G feature phones, with about 10,000 units sold daily.

However, domestic production constraints, particularly among local manufacturers other than Nokia, have led to supply shortages.

Vu Thanh Trung, Product Director at Oppo Vietnam, noted that the company plans to introduce several affordable smartphone models priced under 5 million VND by year's end, targeting users in mountainous and rural areas where 2G usage is prevalent. These models will prioritize durability and battery life to meet the needs of users transitioning from 2G networks.

At a recent roundtable organized by VietNamNet and the Telecommunications Department, stakeholders from the retail and manufacturing sectors pledged their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for all users ahead of the new 2G shutdown deadline.

This concerted effort by government bodies, mobile operators, and device manufacturers underlines the collective commitment to a seamless transition from 2G services, ensuring no resident is left without viable communication options during this critical period.

Thai Khang