Turn off 2G waves: Protect customer rights

Turn off 2G waves on schedule

2G is the second generation of mobile telecommunications technology that was born in the 90s of the last century with the feature of encrypting conversations and messages in digital form. Up to now, this technology has completed its mission. Therefore, turning off 2G waves is necessary to free up radio frequencies, better serving the development of mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

VNPT Tuyen Quang installs mobile broadcasting stations to improve signal quality to serve customers.

Vinaphone, a network operator with a large number of subscribers in the Tuyen Quang market, has been taking steps to turn off 2G waves according to the set schedule. Mr. Hoang Manh Tung, Head of Technical - Investment Department, VNPT Tuyen Quang, said that in order for people to proactively switch devices and not affect communications when turning off 2G waves, Vinaphone has sent notification messages and increased the number of call center staff to directly contact each subscriber to advise and guide people to switch devices at least 2 weeks before the signal is turned off.

The network also checks the number of subscribers still using 2G network to support free conversion to 4G SIM. Regarding the roadmap for turning off 2G waves, Vinaphone uses the most modern equipment to scan the waves, areas with low 2G wave usage efficiency will be turned off to reduce costs for the unit, increase transmission bandwidth. Currently, Vinaphone has turned off 49 2G broadcasting locations in urban areas, areas with good 4G coverage.

MobiFone is one of the three major network operators in the province that has also implemented a roadmap to turn off 2G waves to reduce operating costs and increase transmission bandwidth to serve other telecommunications services. Mr. Dinh Xuan Phong, MobiFone technical officer in Tuyen Quang area, informed that by the end of July 2023, MobiFone had turned off 2G waves in some locations according to the set roadmap.

According to statistics from the Department of Information and Communications, the province has 1,253 locations for installing BST broadcasting stations, 100% of which are installed with 2G, 3G, and 4G broadcasting stations. The province has about 700,000 telephone subscribers, with a density of about 100 subscribers/100 people. Currently, most people use smartphones that catch 3G and 4G waves, only a few use 2G waves. The number of users of 2G wave devices is increasingly narrowing, so maintaining 2G broadcasting stations not only costs telecommunications companies a lot of money to operate old technology equipment, but also wastes radio frequencies. And stopping 2G technology is a good opportunity for users to get acquainted with services in the digital environment.

Protect customer rights

According to telecommunications experts, turning off 2G waves is not difficult for telecommunications businesses, but it will be difficult for a segment of customers. In fact, customers using the 2G network today are mainly the elderly, so access and use of technology will be limited. However, to ensure the interests of customers, network operators and mobile phone dealers have been proactive and proactive, introducing many policies to support customers in switching.

Viettel Tuyen Quang staff support customers to convert 2G sim to 4G.

To support customers in converting their phones from 2G to 3G, 4G and 5G, VNPT Tuyen Quang will offer free SIM card replacement, 15GB of data to try high-speed 4G Internet service and enjoy additional special incentives from VNPT: 4G phone gift program (applicable to customers receiving SMS); 30GB of data in the first month for customers to experience digital utilities; preferential packages with attractive prices...

Ms. Bui Thi Nguyet, Gia village, Tien Bo commune (Yen Son) said that she uses Vinaphone network. When the network turned off 2G signal, the staff came to her house to advise her on switching SIM cards for free and support her in buying a new phone at a preferential price.

Report of VNPT Tuyen Quang Vinaphone Business Center has supported the conversion of SIM cards from 2G to 4G for 8,000 customers in the whole province.

The two major carriers, Viettel and Mobifone, are also actively supporting customers who have the conditions to upgrade their devices from 2G to 3G, 4G and 5G. At stores and distribution systems, carriers have proactively put into business phone lines that support 4G technology, with prices ranging from 390 thousand VND to 1.5 million VND, with incentives such as free SIM replacement or additional Data...

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Son, Xay Dung residential group, Son Duong town (Son Duong) said that she used to use a black and white phone, only listening, calling, and texting normally. With the network operator's support to convert the SIM from 2G to 4G, which is more convenient, she can use many services on her smartphone such as online money transfer, video calling...

Mr. Le Trung Dung, Chief Inspector of the Department of Information and Communications, affirmed that to protect the rights of the people when the network operator implements the roadmap to completely turn off 2G waves, the Department's inspectorate has coordinated with relevant agencies to strengthen information and propaganda work; at the same time, inspect and check all mobile phone stores in accordance with Circular No. 43/2020/TT-BTTTT of the Ministry of Information and Communications "National technical regulations on terrestrial mobile information terminal equipment - Radio access part".

Turning off 2G waves will free up radio frequencies, better serving the development of mobile telecommunications infrastructure and the national digital transformation. Telecommunications experts believe that when 100% of people use smartphones, it will promote richer digital services, more data services will be used, network operators will have more revenue and new development opportunities. That will also create a revolution to promote digital government, digital economy, and digital society quickly.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/tat-song-2g%C2%A0bao-ve-quyen-loi-khach-hang-197024.html