Stopped selling 2G Only phones many years ago

As VietNamNet reported, from September 16, 2024, telecommunications carriers will stop providing services to terminal devices that only support the GSM (2G) standard. Thus, by that time, phones that only support 2G network technology will become true "bricks".

Nokia
2G Only phones will become true "bricks" on September 16, 2024. Photo: Phuong Le

In fact, in Vietnam, major mobile retail systems have stopped selling phones that only support 2G networks for many months to many years.

According to Mr. Tran Duc Tin, Director of Mobile Telecommunications, Mobile World Joint Stock Company, this system has stopped selling phones that only support 2G many years ago, focusing on providing 4G-supported devices at low prices. These products include 4G-supported feature phones from traditional brands such as Nokia, Mobell, Masstel... and basic smartphone lines from brands such as Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, VIVO, Honor, Realme... in the price range from under 4 million to under 5 million.

Mr. Tran Duc Tin said that since April 2024, Mobile World has also actively communicated to customers about turning off 2G waves so that they have enough time to consider switching, to avoid disruption of communication and work.

Similarly, Mr. Le Hieu Nghia, Director of Services and Finance of Mobile World, shared that this system has stopped selling phones that only use 2G waves since August 2023.

FPT Shop also stopped selling 2G products 6 months ago. Current products all have 4G built-in or higher (including feature phone products that are also equipped with 4G).

Meanwhile, CellphoneS representative informed that currently, 2G phone products only account for a small proportion in the business structure and revenue of the system, specifically less than 5%. 2G phone lines are mainly 2G Only products and a few are 2G + 3G. Brands distributing these products include Nokia, Samsung and some other manufacturers.

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Major retail systems have stopped selling 2G Only phone lines. Photo: Phuong Le

Many incentives for users to change 2G Only phones to 4G phones and smartphones

Mr. Tran Duc Tin said that in addition to promoting the need to upgrade phones to use 4G waves, The Gioi Di Dong has recently had practical promotional programs, creating conditions for users using basic phones to be able to upgrade their phones with the least cost burden.

For example, the old upgrade program, subsidizing up to 3 million VND with some products of Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Honor; Giving away free SIM data for YouTube, Facebook, Tiktok... Support 0% installment payment, additional speaker gifts, chance to win a motorbike every month and 100 days 1-for-1 privilege...

Meanwhile, Mr. Le Hieu Nghia also shared that, previously, Di Dong Viet maintained a long-term incentive of up to 1 million VND for customers upgrading from 2G to 4G phones. At this time, when the time to completely stop the signal is near, the system has many more exclusive and special policies to support customers to easily upgrade their phones at the most optimal cost.

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The systems have many incentive programs for users to upgrade 2G phones to 4G and smartphones. Photo: Huy Nguyen

According to Mr. Le Hieu Nghia, for technology drivers, students, and university students, Di Dong Viet applies an additional discount of 500,000 VND. In addition, when customers participate in the old-for-new exchange program, the system will collect all old 2G phones, including "dead phones" (phones that no longer work) with a subsidy of up to 4 million VND, depending on the phone model the customer upgrades to. At the same time, customers can rest assured when using new phones because the system also has a 10-year battery warranty policy, 1 for 1 exchange even for broken products...

Mr. Nguyen The Kha, Commercial Director of FPT Shop System, also said that in addition to promoting people to switch to 4G phones, the system has launched a 2G phone upgrade program with a subsidy of up to 600,000 VND over the past year. Accordingly, when users switch to 2G phones or old, broken phones... they will receive a subsidy of up to 600,000 VND, making it easy to buy a 4G phone or own a new smartphone with prices starting from only 2.49 million VND. This program is being positively received by customers, as the store recorded a 1.5 times increase in sales each month.

Meanwhile, the CellphoneS system is also implementing a number of stimulus programs aimed at the group of users who give up 2G phones. These programs include: Support for exchanging phones, discounts and special promotions when customers upgrade to 4G phones and smartphones. The system also organizes consulting activities, instructing users on the benefits and how to use new devices to help them easily switch.