This is considered the latest move to realize the policies and directions to stop 2G mobile technology, popularize smartphones to promote Digital Economy and Digital Society that have been issued in recent times.

Many smartphones are supported by network operators with prices up to 50% of the device's value.

Be careful when buying a "brick" phone

On February 23, the Department of Telecommunications issued a notice requesting that from March 1, mobile businesses will not be allowed to import new networks of mobile phones that only support 2G technology and are not on the List of 2G phones certified to be compliant by the Ministry of Information and Communications (Department of Telecommunications). Users can look up these phone models at the link https://tqc.gov.vn/2g-only. If people have questions or complaints about 2G phones not being connected to the network, they should call the customer care center of the mobile business for support and guidance.

The list includes about 4,000 2G mobile devices, most of which are old devices that were manufactured a long time ago. 2G only phone models have been banned from being imported into Vietnam since July 2021.

“Joining a new network” means that the device connects to a mobile network for the first time, the system will save the IMEI number for use in subsequent connections. The Telecommunications Department said that it will work with network operators to deploy solutions to control and prevent 2G-only devices from joining new networks from next month. This announcement from the Department only mentions joining new networks. Meanwhile, qualified and operating devices will be able to continue to be used until September, before Vietnam turns off 2G waves.

The representative of the Department of Information and Communications explained that when people go to buy a new SIM card, if the phone they are using is a 2G “brick” (can be old or new) and is not on the list of phones that have been granted a certificate of conformity, the user will be denied access to the network. This means that with phones that only support 2G and have been in circulation in Vietnam for a long time and have a certificate of conformity, users can still install a new SIM card to connect to the network normally.

According to some telecommunications experts, the new move by the Telecommunications Department could be a measure to prevent smuggled 2G devices. These devices cost around a few hundred thousand VND, targeting low-income users who do not have the conditions to use smartphones, or the elderly and children who can only use "brick" devices. Therefore, users need to be vigilant when buying 2G devices at small stores during this time, because groups selling fake products will try to sell the remaining inventory before March 1, or may install a SIM card in advance to join the network and then sell it to users after the above deadline.

If you have any questions about your 2G phone not being connected to the network, you can go to the network operator's business center for support and guidance.

Partner Network

Director of Viettel Thua Thien Hue Nguyen Huy Quang said that before the official announcement of the Ministry of Information and Communications about blocking non-compliant 2G phones from joining the new network, Viettel proactively notified customers, recommending to quickly check whether the SIM and phone in use support 4G or not to make the earliest conversion.

At the same time, Viettel accompanies customers in the process of "upgrading" to 4G through many attractive incentive programs for 2G subscribers. Such as launching many lines of feature phones and cheap 4G smartphones with "huge" incentive policies: subsidizing up to 50% of some cheap 4G models with calling features (from only 290,000 VND/device); giving away 28GB of high-speed data and free data when watching TV360 application...

“MobiFone also allows customers to switch from a 2G feature phone to a 4G feature phone or smartphone and will receive support for up to 50% of the device’s value (up to 1 million VND). In addition, when customers have a need, MobiFone will support users to switch from a 2G SIM to a 4G SIM for free,” said Phan Van Hoai, Director of MobiFone Thua Thien Hue.

A representative of VNPT VinaPhone said that in response to the Ministry of Information and Communications' request not to import devices that only support 2G, the company has built solutions and systems. At the same time, since the end of 2023, VNPT has not allowed the connection of devices that do not comply with legal regulations. In addition, to meet the management agency's request to stop 2G waves, VinaPhone has prepared a suitable roadmap and widely communicated to customers, with policies to support customers in switching. "In all cases, VinaPhone has prepared plans to ensure benefits and not affect the user experience," he said.

When asked about 2G devices floating on the market, Director of the Department of Information and Communications Nguyen Xuan Son said that, in reality, there is still a situation of trading in hand-carried, smuggled 2G only devices, along with old 2G phone models. The Department will actively communicate and coordinate with network operators to review newly registered devices. This is to ensure that subscribers who do not comply with regulations will not be allowed to join new networks.

Article and photos: LIEN MINH