Upgrading from a basic 2G phone to a smartphone will come with many benefits.

We stopped selling 2G-only phones many years ago.

As VietNamNet has reported, starting September 16, 2024, telecommunications providers will stop providing services to devices that only support the GSM (2G) standard. Therefore, by that time, phones that only support 2G network technology will become essentially unusable.

2G-only phones will become literally "bricks" on September 16, 2024. Photo: Phuong Le

In fact, in Vietnam, major mobile retail systems stopped selling phones that only support 2G networks months or even years ago.

According to Mr. Tran Duc Tin, Director of the Mobile Telecommunications Division at The Gioi Dien Dong Joint Stock Company, the company completely stopped selling 2G-only phones many years ago, focusing instead on providing 4G-enabled devices at lower prices. These products include basic 4G-enabled phones from traditional brands like Nokia, Mobell, Masstel, etc., and entry-level smartphones from brands such as Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, VIVO, Honor, Realme, etc., priced between under 4 million and under 5 million VND.

Mr. Tran Duc Tin stated that, starting in April 2024, The Gioi Dien Dong (Mobile World ) has actively communicated to customers about the 2G network shutdown to give them sufficient time to consider switching, in order to avoid disruptions to communication and work.

Similarly, Mr. Le Hieu Nghia, Director of the Services and Finance division of Di Dong Viet, shared that the system stopped selling phones that only use 2G signals from August 2023.

FPT Shop also stopped selling 2G products six months ago. All current products are equipped with 4G or higher (including feature phones).

Meanwhile, a representative from CellphoneS stated that currently, 2G phones account for only a small proportion of the system's business structure and revenue, specifically less than 5%. 2G models are mainly 2G-only products, with a few being 2G + 3G. Brands distributing these products include Nokia, Samsung, and several other manufacturers.

Major retailers have stopped selling 2G-only phone models. Photo: Phuong Le

Many offers are available for users upgrading from 2G-only phones to 4G phones and smartphones.

Mr. Tran Duc Tin stated that, in addition to promoting the necessity of upgrading phones to 4G, The Gioi Di Dong has also implemented practical promotional programs, creating opportunities for users of basic phones to upgrade with minimal financial burden.

For example, there are trade-in programs offering discounts of up to 3 million VND on selected products from Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, and Honor; free data SIM cards for YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok; 0% installment payment options; additional gifts like speakers; a chance to win a motorbike every month; and a 100-day 1-to-1 exchange policy…

Meanwhile, Mr. Le Hieu Nghia also shared that, previously, Di Dong Viet maintained a long-term promotion offering discounts of up to 1 million VND for customers upgrading from 2G to 4G phones. Now, as the transition to completely phasing out 2G networks approaches, the system has added many exclusive and special policies to support customers in easily upgrading their phones at the most optimal cost.

Many systems offer incentives for users upgrading from 2G phones to 4G and smartphones. Photo: Huy Nguyen

According to Mr. Le Hieu Nghia, Di Dong Viet offers an additional discount of 500,000 VND for ride-hailing drivers, students, and university students. Furthermore, when customers participate in the trade-in program, the system accepts all 2G phones, including "broken phones" (phones that are no longer working), with a subsidy of up to 4 million VND, depending on the model upgraded. Customers can also rest assured using their new phone because the system offers a 10-year battery warranty and a 1-to-1 exchange even for products that are dropped or broken…

Mr. Nguyen The Kha, Commercial Director of FPT Shop System, also stated that, in addition to promoting the upgrade to 4G phones, the system has offered a subsidy of up to 600,000 VND for 2G phone upgrades throughout the past year. Accordingly, when users exchange their old, damaged 2G phones for 4G phones, they receive a subsidy of up to 600,000 VND, making it easier to purchase a 4G phone or own a new smartphone for as little as 2.49 million VND. This program is being positively received by customers, with stores recording a 1.5-fold increase in sales each month.

Meanwhile, CellphoneS is also implementing several promotional programs aimed at users who are abandoning 2G phones. These programs include: trade-in support, discounts, and special promotions when customers upgrade to 4G phones and smartphones. The system also organizes consultation and guidance activities for users on the benefits and usage of the new devices to help them easily switch.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/doi-dien-thoai-2g-cuc-gach-len-smartphone-se-nhan-duoc-nhieu-uu-dai-2302482.html