2G network switched off just before the event.

Many affordable 4G phones with attractive promotional offers have hit the shelves to serve customers. Photo: Thai Nhung.

An inevitable trend

According to the Telecommunications Department (Ministry of Information and Communications), 77 countries are currently planning to phase out 2G and 3G technologies, with most planning to do so by 2028. As of June 2024, approximately 37 countries had completely shut down their 2G networks. In Vietnam, the policy of phasing out 2G technology has been agreed upon and is reflected in the circular on the 900MHz frequency band.

Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Telecommunications Department, stated that discontinuing 2G technology is inevitable and brings many benefits to the people, society, and businesses.

Specifically: Users have the opportunity to access many new services, including online public administration services, cashless payments, and access information through applications when accessing the internet; reduced operating costs for businesses; focus on improving the quality and coverage of 4G networks, investing in the development of 5G technology, increasing revenue for telecommunications businesses, and supporting new technologies; contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and gradually deploying mobile networks using energy-saving technologies…

To implement the roadmap for phasing out 2G technology, the Ministry of Information and Communications has requested mobile network operators to deploy 4G network infrastructure to ensure coverage that can replace the shut-down 2G base stations in all areas; especially in remote areas, border regions, and islands, and to provide the best possible support for users.

As a state management agency, the Ministry of Information and Communications is and will continue to require businesses to implement solutions to protect user rights, such as: communicating directly to each subscriber; providing solutions to support users with terminal devices, especially vulnerable users such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and those in remote areas, border regions, and islands, to switch to using 4G or higher technology phones; and implementing user support through the Public Telecommunications Fund…

Focus on promoting and supporting users.

According to Mr. Ngo Thanh Hien, Deputy Director of the Department of Grassroots Information (Ministry of Information and Communications), there are currently about 220,000 grassroots communicators nationwide. This force helps to quickly and effectively transmit information directly to the people. This force will also be mobilized in communicating the policy of shutting down the old 2G technology.

A representative from the Department of Grassroots Information added that the unit will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies and units to promote the implementation of other forms of information dissemination to bring information to the people.

In addition, people currently using 2G-only phones should proactively access or utilize support programs from mobile operators to switch to 4G phones in order to ensure continued mobile service.

Currently, according to the detailed plans for phasing out 2G technology reported by mobile operators, the number of 2G-only subscribers is expected to either decrease to zero or be less than 5% by September 15, 2024. Telecommunications companies such as Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone , etc., have been and are planning to support and facilitate the conversion of 2G-only mobile devices to 4G with various incentives.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, said: Viettel has implemented support policies such as reducing device prices by 30-50%. We have also conducted extensive communication campaigns through community digital technology groups, influential community leaders, mobile sales reaching down to the commune level, and 24/7 support points for the transition. However, we have encountered many difficulties. We have contacted this customer group many times; many people are aware of the information but haven't yet supported it. 70% are in rural and mountainous areas, are disadvantaged, and many are poor households with limited financial means, making the transition challenging…

Viettel expects to essentially complete its goal of converting customers to 4G by September 15th, ensuring 100% of customers maintain connectivity and many experience digital services. The network also issued a warning that, taking advantage of the current support for people switching from 2G to 4G, some unscrupulous individuals have been defrauding people, especially ethnic minorities and elderly people who are not tech-savvy, by selling fake 4G phones (displaying 4G signal bars but actually being 2G phones).

Therefore, to help people distinguish between genuine and fake 4G phones, they should only follow the instructions of their mobile network provider or purchase devices from reputable retailers.

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/tat-song-2g-truc-gio-g-10290177.html