2G networks were first deployed in Vietnam in 1993, bringing a major breakthrough to the telecommunications industry by allowing users to make calls, send text messages, and access basic mobile data. However, after more than three decades, this technology has become outdated in the face of the rapid development of new network generations such as 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G.
With slow data transmission speeds and increasingly exploited security vulnerabilities, 2G is no longer suitable for current needs. In particular, 2G networks are easily exploited by cybercriminals to spread spam messages and carry out SMS scams.
The shutdown of 2G networks aims to promote national digital transformation.
According to data from the Ministry of Information and Communications , there are currently about 700,000 active 2G-only subscribers, accounting for less than 1% of the total mobile subscribers in Vietnam. The majority of these users are elderly people living in remote areas and have little need for modern mobile services.
Specifically, major network operators like Viettel, VinaPhone, and MobiFone still maintain hundreds of thousands of 2G subscribers. Viettel currently has approximately 360,000 2G-only subscribers, VinaPhone has 150,000, and MobiFone has about 47,919 subscribers. Smaller networks such as Vietnamobile, ASIM, VNSKY, and Mobicast also still maintain a small number of customers using this older technology.
Previously, the Ministry of Information and Communications had planned to shut down 2G networks on September 15, 2024. However, due to the impact of Typhoon No. 3, this deadline was postponed by one month, with Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BTTTT issued on September 13, adjusting the official date for shutting down 2G networks to October 15.
Mobile operators have made considerable efforts to communicate with and guide 2G-only customers to switch to modern mobile services through various methods, from direct outreach to indirect measures. However, due to the specific characteristics of this customer segment, the transition has faced numerous difficulties.
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ngay-mai-dien-thoai-2g-se-bi-vo-hieu-hoa-post316746.html
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