Before the 2G network is shut down, mobile operators are accelerating the rollout of 4G/5G.

Photo caption — The Ministry's mandated roadmap to shut down 2G networks in September 2026 is not only a necessary step for Vietnam's telecommunications infrastructure but also ushers in an era of smart, secure, and sustainable connectivity.

To realize this goal, telecommunications companies have been striving to build infrastructure, increase the number of users, and widely commercialize 5G in Vietnam. The number of 5G base stations has rapidly increased to over 16,000, covering 39.52% of the population after one year of deployment, but is still far from the target of 90% by the end of 2025.

Speaking with a reporter from the newspaper Tin Tuc va Dan Toc on the afternoon of December 11th, a representative from Viettel stated that the nationwide shutdown of 2G networks is a strategic decision of the State, reflecting integration with global trends as many countries have already shut down older technologies (2G, 3G) to focus resources on more advanced technologies.

"The shutdown of 2G not only frees up bandwidth for high-speed services but also helps reduce the operating costs of outdated infrastructure; while simultaneously improving the quality of national connectivity. Around the world, more than 100 countries have completed this, including the UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, etc., creating a foundation for sustainable digital economic development."

Viettel is committed to strictly adhering to regulations and providing support to ensure a smooth transition for customers without disrupting communication. With the desire to "leave no one behind," the network operator has implemented many practical programs to help people easily upgrade to 4G/5G VoLTE devices, offering clear HD voice quality and smooth calls with a 59% lower call drop rate on 4G/VoLTE compared to 2G.

Accordingly, Viettel's specific support policy includes device upgrades at preferential prices; customers can purchase 4G phones for as little as 200,000 VND or trade in all their old devices for new 4G/5G VoLTE phones (high-quality voice calling technology over 4G/5G networks) from reputable brands such as OPPO and Samsung for as little as 2 million VND.

“Customers who switch to VoLTE-enabled devices will also receive 30 days of free call data to experience high-quality 4G/5G voice services. At over 200,000 Viettel transaction points nationwide, technical teams will check devices, transfer contacts/data, activate VoLTE, and provide usage instructions. Special priority will be given to on-site support for the elderly and those in remote areas,” a Viettel representative said.

The Ministry's mandated 2G network shutdown by September 2026 is not only a necessary step for Vietnam's telecommunications infrastructure but also ushers in an era of smart, secure, and sustainable connectivity. In its mid-November 2025 report on the implementation of national science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation tasks, the Ministry of Science and Technology assessed the telecommunications infrastructure as "developing strongly," with internet coverage reaching 78% of the population and mobile coverage reaching 99.8%, while 5G networks continue to be aggressively promoted nationwide.

According to data as of October 2025, the whole country will have 16,737 5G base stations, equivalent to 14% of the current 4G base stations, covering 39.52% of the population and enabling them to access 5G services.

The increased coverage of next-generation mobile networks has also significantly boosted mobile internet speeds in Vietnam, improving its ranking on global charts. Exactly one year after the first mobile network operator commercialized 5G in October 2025, internet speeds in Vietnam have increased from 71 to 146 Mbps; ranking has risen from 43rd to 15th, according to Ookla Speedtest statistics.

Statistics from i-Speed, the Vietnam Internet Center, show that Vietnam's mobile data speed in October 2025 reached 81.7 Mbps, with Viettel leading at 96.57 Mbps, a 26% increase compared to the same period last year, followed by VNPT with 66.97 Mbps and MobiFone with 59.54 Mbps.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/khoa-hoc-cong-nghe/truc-thoi-diem-tat-song-2g-nha-mang-tang-toc-pho-cap-4g5g-20251211175615241.htm