The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (Ministry of Information and Communications) has announced that starting at midnight on October 16, telecom providers will stop providing services for 2G-only subscribers.

As part of the Ministry’s roadmap, the goal is to completely phase out 2G technology by September 15, 2024. However, due to the impacts of a severe typhoon, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued a temporary delay in the 2G shutdown from September 16 to October 15, 2024, to ensure communication needs were met during recovery efforts.

Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Telecommunications Authority, explained that the phase-out of 2G technology will occur in two stages. The first stage involves stopping services for 2G-only subscribers from October 16, 2024. The second stage, set for September 2026, will see the complete shutdown of the 2G network, freeing up resources for 4G and 5G technologies.

Representatives from major telecom companies, including Viettel, MobiFone, and VinaPhone, confirmed that subscribers who haven’t switched from 2G after October 15 will have their devices blocked, but their accounts will remain active.

As of January 2024, telecom providers had approximately 18.2 million 2G-only subscribers. That number has since dropped to just 400,000 active 2G-only subscribers - less than 1% of all connected subscribers, far below the original estimate of 5% provided by the Ministry of Information and Communications. This suggests a smoother-than-expected transition from 2G to 4G services.

Over the past months, telecom providers have worked hard to communicate the need for subscribers to switch to 4G through direct and indirect means, though challenges remain. Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel, pointed out that many 2G-only users either have limited demand for service or live in remote areas, making them difficult to contact.

Do Manh Dung, acting Director of the Personal Customer Department at VinaPhone, noted other challenges, such as users only switching devices when service disruptions occur or the aftermath of natural disasters affecting people’s ability to prioritize communication services.

Telecom companies have offered support by providing 4G-only devices along with promotional packages and even covering up to 100% of the cost for new 4G phones. Some mobile service providers have also introduced policies to offer free phones to low-income households and subscribers in remote areas to facilitate the switch to 4G.

After October 15, all 2G-only subscribers will have their two-way service discontinued. Telecom providers will retain the subscribers’ numbers and accounts, with customer support services available at various service points to assist with the transition.

Nguyen Phong Nha stated, "The responsibility of telecom providers after October 15 is to maintain subscribers’ phone numbers, plans, and associated policies. Customers can visit service centers or call for full information on transitioning to 4G-compatible devices. Providers will continue to support 2G-only subscribers in making the switch, ensuring consumer rights are protected."

Nguyen Dinh Dung, Deputy Director of MobiFone's Telecommunications Services Division, added that while devices will be blocked, subscribers’ accounts and phone numbers will remain intact.

VinaPhone will continue its policy of providing free devices and offering personalized customer support, both at service points and in customers’ homes.

Meanwhile, Viettel proposed a special policy for remaining 2G-only subscribers, ensuring that accounts will not be locked or numbers reclaimed if customers do not use the service for two months.

Thai Khang