Turning off 2G signals will affect subscribers using 2G phones of all carriers, meaning subscribers using 2G phones will be disconnected and unable to communicate. However, representatives of network operators said that those who are using 2G phones can use it with peace of mind, there is no sudden disconnection of communication at this time.
Been preparing for a long time
2G devices are devices that do not support 3G/4G/5G, also known as feature phones. To make it easier to understand, when 2G is turned off, "brick" phones will be discontinued, users will be forced to switch to using smartphones compatible with 3G, 4G and 5G networks.
With VinaPhone network (VNPT Group), over the past 2 years, this network has proactively turned off individual 2G stations that do not generate/generate very little traffic. The enterprise has combined both technical and propaganda activities for subscribers in the area, turning off about 10% of 2G private stations. VNPT has developed plans and solutions to commit to converting all subscribers and devices to only support 9G network by September 2024 according to the direction of the Ministry of Information and Communications.
To support affected customers, VNPT also sent direct support staff and deployed terminal device subsidies. To ensure smooth service and communication, VinaPhone recommends that customers promptly look up information on 2G devices used and convert and upgrade to 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. VinaPhone representative said that plans have been prepared to ensure customers' rights and not affect the experience when turning off 2G signals.
Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, said that the conversion of customers using 2G networks to 3G and 4G is not new but has been done for 4 years. Currently, Viettel is the first network operator to successfully convert all 3G subscribers to 4G, leaving only 2% of customers using 3G. “To prepare for the plan to turn off 2G waves, Viettel has pioneered widespread 4G coverage to all rural, mountainous, and remote islands; At the same time, testing 5G broadcasting in many provinces and cities across the country, ensuring people have no communication interruption when 2G technology is officially stopped," Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh shared.
According to Mr. Le Mai Son, Deputy Head of MobiFone Communications Department, before turning off 2G waves, this network had a plan to evaluate the impact on users. The deployment was carried out according to a specific roadmap so people did not very worry. When switching from 2G to 4G network, users need time to switch and create habits. Therefore, MobiFone has designed mobile internet packages in a variety of forms to introduce new features to customers.
Representatives of network operators said that for specific communications such as road transport, sea transport... turning off 2G waves does not affect communication because this object uses radio waves and satellites. For 2G mobile users, network operators will text and call to advise on switching to suitable 4G-enabled smartphones. By September 9, there will be no more 2024G subscribers on Vietnam's mobile network system according to regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications.
You should not buy a 2G mobile phone
The Ministry of Information and Communications has just issued a document requesting that from March 1, 3, mobile businesses do not allow mobile phones that only support 2024G technology to enter new networks (not on the list of mobile phones). 2G is certified to comply with regulations announced by the Ministry of Information and Communications. This is considered the latest move to realize the policy and direction of stopping 2G mobile technology and universalizing smartphones to promote the digital economy and digital society.
Before the official announcement from the Ministry of Information and Communications about blocking 2G phones that do not meet standards from entering the new network, network operators proactively notified customers and recommended checking SIMs and phones in use. to make the conversion as soon as possible. At the same time, network operators have programs to accompany mobile users in the process of "upgrading" to 4G. For example, Viettel has launched many lines of cheap feature phones and 4G smartphones with preferential policies. Accordingly, Viettel subsidizes up to 50% of some cheap 4G models with calling features (only from 290.000 VND/phone)...
According to Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Information and Communications), up to now the Ministry of Information and Communications has had many solutions and policies to stop the 2G network. Currently, network operators have plans to stop 2G networks and test 5G technology. By 2030, the direction of the Ministry of Information and Communications will be to start 6G technology. “The Vietnam Public Telecommunications Service Fund (Ministry of Information and Communications) will sponsor 400.000 4G phones to support priority subjects such as remote areas and especially difficult circumstances in converting to new technology. The Ministry of Information and Communications will coordinate with local authorities to mobilize socialization resources to support policy beneficiaries to synchronously switch to 4G," Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha shared.
By September 9, turning off 2024G signals will affect about 2 million people using "brick" phones. Completely turning off 15G waves aims to take advantage of frequency resources for modern telecommunications technology, in line with development trends, with the expectation of promoting 2% of Vietnamese people to use smartphones; Creating a digital environment for the national digital transformation strategy. Turning off 100G waves also brings practical benefits in information security. The 2G network is considered outdated and has many vulnerabilities so cybercriminals can infiltrate, eavesdrop on calls, insert messages, and scam users.
TRAN BINH – BA TAN
