VietNamNet Bridge - Some mobile network operators have proposed to take back 2G network frequency to pave the way for the development of 4G network. However, some analyst say it is still too early.

The Vietnam Automobile Transport Association has sent a dispatch to the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), asking to set up a roadmap for the 2G frequency switch-off, so that transport enterprises can prepare for it.

The proposal was made after some mobile network operators urged MIC to take back 2G frequency to reserve the resources for the 4G network development.

Under the 2008 Road Traffic Law, service vehicles must be installed with positioning device to monitor their journeys. Currently, most of the devices operate on the platform of 2G or 2.5G. As such, if 2G service providing is stopped, it will put big difficulties for the management and exploitation of 300,000 vehicles installed with monitoring devices.

In the document to MIC, the association proposed to give up transport firms more time to upgrade monitoring devices to ensure the uninterrupted exploitation of vehicles. It also asked to provide technical solutions to help maintain the operation of the devices run on 2G or 2.5G platforms so as to ease the difficulties for the device providers and users.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese mobile network operators it is necessary to clear the way for 3G now by preparing frequency for it. There is a growing tendency of users shifting from 2G to 3G which can be seen in the sharp fall in the revenue from 2G services such as voice calls and SMS, and the rapid increase in the revenue from 3G.

It is obvious that Vietnam will have to stop 2G, but when to stop remains a controversial question.

Ho Chi Dung, technology director of Viettel, the military telecom group, said Viettel has foreseen the tendency and prepared for the roadmap of cutting voice and SMS service fee to zero.

Pham Duc Long, CEO of the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT), said VNPT has stopped the investments in 2G to invest in 3G and 4G in the future. 

Nguyen Dang Nguyen, deputy CEO of MobiFone, also said MobiFone now focuses on the 3G development.

Viettel proves to be the only telco which still develops 2G. According to Do Minh Phuong, deputy CEO of Viettel Do Minh Phuong said Viettel would focus on 3G and 4G in large cities where there is high demand for high-speed data services, while it still develops 2G in remote and rural areas where there is still demand for SMS and voice call services.

It is obvious that Vietnam will have to stop 2G, but when to stop remains a controversial question. 

Luong Manh Hoang, president of VNPT, said the demand for 2G still exists in some areas, therefore, it is not advisable to stop 2G right now.

Buu Dien