On August 1, Viettel Dong Nai announced the suspension of 2G mobile technology in Thong Nhat district in two phases: from August 9-11 and from August 26-28. This is part of the network operator's larger plan to gradually eliminate old technology, aiming to provide high-quality 4G and 5G services.

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Viettel's mobile 4G SIM and device exchange points at commune/town People's Committees in Thong Nhat district. Photo: Hoang Anh

During this time, subscribers using mobile devices that only support 2G technology will experience a temporary suspension of outgoing calls. However, these subscribers can still receive incoming calls, receive and send messages, and access network data services normally.

Mr. Ngo Manh Hung, Director of Viettel Dong Nai, said that in order to contribute to improving the efficiency of digital transformation and providing the best support for local people to convert 2G devices to 4G/5G smartphones, Viettel has a policy to support a 50% discount on devices and support people using 2G phones and Viettel mobile SIMs.

According to statistics, Viettel still has about 60% of its total mobile subscribers needing to change their devices from 2G to 4G in Thong Nhat district. Specifically, about 9,000 subscribers are still using “brick” phones, not yet converted to 4G devices.

Viettel representative in Thong Nhat district said that Viettel is currently organizing 20 fixed points and 5 mobile points to support customers to change from 2G devices to 4G/5G devices in each commune/town in the area. In addition, it is also coordinating with community digital technology groups to "knock on the door" of each house to support people to change from 2G devices to 4G phones in the district.

Previously, implementing the Government's direction, the Ministry of Information and Communications requested telecommunications service providers to have plans to encourage and support people to switch from 2G network devices to 4G-supported devices, ensuring that there are no more subscribers using 2G devices before September 16 (except for service provision in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos, and DK platforms).