The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority holds a briefing with telecommunications companies regarding the shutdown of 2G networks. Photo: Trong Dat
On the morning of July 24, the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Information and Communications held a meeting with telecom companies to discuss the 2G network shutdown. As per the directive of Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, weekly meetings will be organized to address any issues faced by the telecom companies during this transition.
According to the latest data, as of June 2024, Viettel leads with the highest number of 2G subscribers, approximately 7.44 million. Vinaphone follows with 1.3 million, while MobiFone has around 1 million 2G users. Vietnamobile and virtual network operators (MVNOs) collectively account for roughly 500,000 and a few tens of thousands of 2G subscribers, respectively.
With these figures, the total number of 2G subscribers in the telecom market exceeds 10 million. These users will need to switch to new devices before the deadline of September 16, 2024.
Telecom companies' transition plans
Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, stated that Viettel plans to reduce its 2G subscriber base by 1.5 million in the near future, aiming to lower the total to around 5.6 million by the end of July.
By the September 15 deadline, Viettel aims to cut down the number to approximately 2.2 million. "Viettel recognizes that these remaining subscribers are challenging to convert. After the deadline, Viettel will 'cut off' the remaining connections," Tinh said.
Viettel's rapid reduction in 2G subscribers is attributed to its proactive measures, such as blocking 2G devices from the network and collaborating with local information and communications departments to facilitate device transition for customers. Since April, Viettel has also actively set up mobile conversion points.
MobiFone has been promoting the 2G shutdown through various channels, including media, its website, and even inserting announcements into the ringback tones of 2G subscribers. Despite these efforts, MobiFone anticipates around 700,000 2G users will remain by September 2024 due to their locations in remote and rural areas.
VinaPhone has emphasized internal communication to ensure all employees understand and propagate the 2G shutdown policy. All VinaPhone transaction points now feature information and materials to inform customers about the cessation of 2G services, especially in areas with a high number of 2G users.
Government and regulatory measures
The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority has reiterated its stance on not reallocating the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands unless companies present plans to cease services for devices supporting 2G GSM technology by September 2024.
To assist in the transition, the Ministry of Information and Communications encourages the migration of 2G users to smartphones, with the use of 4G feature phones being an exception and dependent on customer requests.
Between now and September 2024, telecom companies are expected to continue blocking non-compliant 2G devices from entering the network. The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority also urges companies to share best practices, communication materials, and user guides to facilitate device transitions for affected users.
