Tightening 'brick' phones to cut off 2G waves

Basic feature phones, also known as "brick phones", are subject to reduction and cessation of sales in the coming time, and are models that only support 2G telecommunications network technology (2G Only). This is one of the steps considered necessary to implement the plan to turn off 2G waves in Vietnam by September 2024.

According to Ms. Vu Thu Hien, Head of the Frequency Policy and Planning Department - Radio Frequency Department (Ministry of Information and Communications), the roadmap set out that by September 2024, there will be no more subscribers in the 2G Only form on the mobile network, but this technology will still be maintained until September 2026 to serve the group of users who are using phones that support 3G, 4G network connection but do not yet integrate VoLTE technology.

Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha said that in the coming time, he will review so that devices that do not meet standards will not be able to connect to the network.

Regarding devices that only support 2G technology, Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha - Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Information and Communications) said that since July 2021, the Department has advised the Ministry to issue a circular related to 2G terminal phones that do not support 3G, 4G and are not allowed to be imported or circulated on the market. "A 2G Only device has a life cycle of about 3 years, so up to now, there are not many of these devices on the network," Mr. Nha shared at the talk show "Turn off 2G waves to bring people to the digital environment" held in Hanoi on the morning of December 5.

Although the authorities have continuously reviewed and reminded businesses, the Department's leaders have admitted that there are still cases of 2G Only devices being imported unofficially or being exchanged and sold as used, circulating on the market. The reason many people still have the habit of using these phone lines is because of the advantage of strong battery, being able to operate for many days without charging and "having no other needs than listening and making regular calls". In addition, the purchase cost is cheap, you can own a device for less than 500,000 VND, even 200,000 - 300,000 VND can also have a "brick" phone to use.

"In the coming time, we will strengthen the implementation of the circular, communicate to network operators, and review terminal equipment to ensure that subscribers who do not comply with regulations will not be able to connect to the network," Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha emphasized.

Regarding the cost issue, a representative of the management agency present at the workshop said that the Ministry's unit will sponsor 400,000 telephones to support priority subjects such as remote areas and those with especially difficult circumstances in converting to new technology.

Network operators Viettel, VNPT, MobiFone are also coordinating with partners such as retail systems and terminal equipment manufacturers to bring basic phone models that support 4G, with cheap prices of only a few hundred thousand VND for people to replace old models that will no longer be suitable from September 2024.

"Programs to support people in switching devices include subsidizing devices up to 50% for subscribers to switch from 2G to 4G, popularizing low-cost smartphones and basic phones with 4G nationwide. The most difficult thing is still accessing low-cost 4G, but we also adjust policies, limit the provision of products and services on the 2G platform, reduce promotions for this service but increase for 4G. The implementation is showing good results, helping the strategy of eliminating 2G Only devices on the system become a reality," a representative of a major network shared.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/siet-dien-thoai-cuc-gach-huong-den-cat-song-2g-185231205124607807.htm