MobiFone staff support customers to convert 2G devices to 4G

Turning off 2G is a major policy of the Ministry of Information and Communications , aiming to promote 100% of people to use smartphones to access diverse digital services; at the same time, promoting digital society, digital economy and digital government. This is also an opportunity to switch to smartphones for users in need, when network operators have many support programs and attractive packages. Customers have the right to choose smartphones or 4G push-button phones. Telecommunications companies all have support programs, encouraging users to switch to smartphones or free exchange of 2G "brick" phones for 4G push-button phones for those who are not familiar with smartphones.

More than 2 years ago, Viettel proactively implemented a series of programs to accelerate this process with the goal of "leaving no one behind". In the "final rush" time, from September 20, Viettel Telecom Corporation supported giving away a total of nearly 8,000 free 4G phones to vulnerable customers in the province, equivalent to nearly 4 billion VND. As the network operator with the most 2G subscribers, in the past time, through many measures, Viettel province has made efforts to communicate to customers who have not yet converted 2G services to 4G. As a result, from more than 400,000 2G subscribers, after October 16, Viettel only had about 300 2G subscribers who had not upgraded to 4G. "We strive to complete the conversion for nearly 300 subscribers by the end of October," said Director of Viettel Thua Thien Hue Nguyen Huy Quang.

Viettel gives away free 4G push-button phones to customers in Thua Thien Hue who cannot afford to upgrade their 2G phones to 4G.

With the method of "going to every alley, knocking on every door", Viettel upgrades about 15-25 subscribers every day. For subscribers who are not eligible to switch, if they are customers operating on the Viettel network, they just need to go to the nearest Viettel store or agent to be supported with a free phone", the Director of Viettel province affirmed.

As of October 14, MobiFone network still has more than 6,000 2G only subscribers. "We will continue to implement the program of giving away 4G Feature Phones, selling 4G phones at preferential prices, supporting phone exchanges; giving away packages to customers using 2G when upgrading to 4G. In parallel with the communication work of conversion, businesses must optimize investment in the network and 4G coverage to serve customers," said Phan Van Hoai, Director of MobiFone Thua Thien Hue. A representative of VinaPhone network shared that VinaPhone will also continue to maintain the policy of giving away phones, supporting users to exchange 2G phones with many incentives.

After the "shutdown" period for 2G only subscribers, the three "big guys" Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone all confirmed that 2G subscribers who have not yet converted will have their devices blocked (2-way blocking of listening and calling). However, the accounts will still be reserved and continue to receive support to switch to 4G. According to Director of MobiFone Thua Thien Hue Phan Van Hoai, MobiFone will keep the numbers for subscribers who have not converted until December 31, 2024. For subscribers who have converted from Feature Phone to smartphone, who have paid for the device themselves, the network will give them a package... Similarly, all VinaPhone subscribers will also have their accounts reserved after October 16. Viettel has a policy that if customers do not use the service (no fees incurred) for 2 months, this business will lock the account and return the number to the warehouse.

The network operators also announced that users can continue to go to service providers to receive full information on the transition. In particular, the interests of customers are still put first by the network operators so that communication is not interrupted.

According to the plan of the Ministry of Information and Communications, the roadmap for turning off 2G waves is divided into 2 phases. In 2024, 2G subscribers will stop serving (2G only) and 2G waves will be completely turned off in September 2026.
Article and photos: LIEN MINH