Beginning on September 15, 2026, all mobile network operators in Vietnam will be required to permanently switch off their remaining 2G base stations. After the shutdown, the Ministry of Science and Technology will auction the 900 MHz spectrum currently allocated to 2G services for newer technologies such as 4G and 5G.

Only Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and DK offshore platforms will retain 2G service

Under the Prime Minister's decision approving Vietnam's Information and Communications Infrastructure Master Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the country has set a roadmap for phasing out older mobile technologies, including 2G and 3G.

The former Ministry of Information and Communications, now the Ministry of Science and Technology, also issued regulations on the planning of the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands for Vietnam's public IMT terrestrial mobile communications system. The regulation, which took effect on June 24, 2024, provides the legal basis for retiring legacy mobile technologies and promoting nationwide smartphone adoption.

Accordingly, from October 26, 2024, mobile operators stopped providing services to subscriber devices that support only the GSM standard, except for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and services provided in the Truong Sa, Hoang Sa archipelagos and the DK offshore platforms.

As a result, Vietnam's 2G mobile network will remain in operation only until September 15, 2026, except in the Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and DK offshore platform areas.

Mobile carriers have therefore been required to stop activating newly imported non-compliant 2G-only handsets since October 2024, with a complete nationwide shutdown of 2G services scheduled for September 2026.

900 MHz spectrum to be reassigned for 4G and 5G

According to Vu Thu Hien, Head of the Frequency Policy and Planning Division at the Radio Frequency Department, operators were granted an additional two-year licence after September 2024 to continue providing voice services over the 900 MHz 2G network because many early-generation 3G and 4G smartphones do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

These devices still rely on 2G or 3G networks for voice calls and will continue doing so until September 2026.

After that deadline, the 900 MHz spectrum will be reviewed under a new frequency allocation plan. The revised plan is expected to ensure that the spectrum is distributed in line with the continued expansion of 4G and 5G technologies.

"The 900 MHz frequency band will be reclaimed after September 2026, auctioned, and licensed to operators deploying 4G and 5G technologies," Hien said.

According to VietNamNet's reporting, some residents in Vietnam's northern mountainous provinces still rely on basic feature phones, commonly known locally as "brick phones," while working in remote farming areas because only 2G coverage is currently available there. These handsets are also inexpensive and offer battery life lasting several days, making them well suited for agricultural work in remote locations.

With all remaining 2G stations scheduled to be switched off from September 15, 2026, mobile operators will need to further expand 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Once the 900 MHz spectrum auction is completed, operators will gain additional low-band frequencies that can significantly improve nationwide 4G and 5G coverage.

Thai Khang