Turn off 2G: Do not suddenly disconnect at this time

The shutdown of 2G will affect subscribers using 2G phones of all networks, meaning that subscribers using 2G phones will be disconnected and unable to communicate. However, representatives of the networks said that those using 2G phones can rest assured, there will be no sudden disconnection at this time.

Long prepared

2G devices are devices that do not support 3G/4G/5G, also known as feature phones. To put it simply, when 2G is turned off, “brick” phones will be discontinued, and users will be forced to switch to smartphones compatible with 3G, 4G and 5G networks.

For the VinaPhone network (VNPT Group), over the past 2 years, this network has proactively turned off individual 2G stations that do not generate/generate very little traffic. The company has combined both technical activities and propaganda for subscribers in the area, turning off about 10% of 2G stations. VNPT has developed a plan and solutions to commit to converting all subscribers and devices to only support 2G networks by September 2024 according to the direction of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Smartphones bring convenience to users. Photo: HOANG HUNG

To support affected customers, VNPT also sent staff to provide direct support and implemented terminal equipment subsidies. To ensure smooth service and communication, VinaPhone recommends that customers promptly look up information on 2G devices in use and switch and upgrade to 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. VinaPhone representatives said that they have prepared plans to ensure benefits and not affect customer experience when turning off 2G waves.

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, said that the conversion of customers using 2G networks to 3G and 4G is not a new event but has been going on for 4 years. Currently, Viettel is the first network operator to have successfully converted all 3G subscribers to 4G, with only 2% of customers using 3G. “To prepare for the 2G shutdown plan, Viettel has pioneered the widespread coverage of 4G to all rural, mountainous and remote island areas; at the same time, it has tested 5G broadcasting in many provinces and cities across the country, ensuring that people will not have their communications interrupted when 2G technology is officially discontinued,” Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh shared.

According to Mr. Le Mai Son, Deputy Head of MobiFone Communications Department, before shutting down 2G, the network had a plan to assess the impact on users, the implementation was carried out according to a specific roadmap so people were not too worried. When switching from 2G to 4G, users need time to convert and form habits. Therefore, MobiFone has designed mobile internet packages with diverse forms to introduce new features to customers.

Representatives of network operators said that for special communications such as road and sea transport, turning off 2G waves will not affect communications because these subjects use radio waves and satellites. For 2G mobile users, network operators will send messages and call to advise on switching to smartphones with suitable 4G support. By September 2024, there will be no more 2G subscribers on the Vietnamese mobile network system according to regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Don't buy 2G mobile

The Ministry of Information and Communications has just issued a document requesting that from March 1, 2024, mobile businesses will not be allowed to import new networks with mobile phones that only support 2G technology (not on the list of 2G phones certified to comply with regulations announced by the Ministry of Information and Communications). This is considered the latest move to realize the policy and direction of stopping 2G mobile technology, popularizing smartphones to promote the digital economy and digital society.

Before the official announcement of the Ministry of Information and Communications on blocking non-compliant 2G phones from joining new networks, network operators proactively notified customers, recommending them to check their SIMs and phones to make the switch as soon as possible. At the same time, network operators have programs to accompany mobile users in the process of "upgrading" to 4G. For example, Viettel has launched many lines of feature phones and cheap 4G smartphones with preferential policies. Accordingly, Viettel subsidizes up to 50% of some cheap 4G phones with calling features (from only 290,000 VND/phone)...

According to Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Information and Communications), up to now, the Ministry of Information and Communications has had many solutions and policies to stop the 2G network. Currently, network operators have plans to stop the 2G network and test 5G technology. By 2030, the orientation of the Ministry of Information and Communications will start 6G technology. "The Vietnam Public Telecommunications Service Fund (Ministry of Information and Communications) will sponsor 400,000 4G phones to support priority subjects such as remote areas, remote areas, and especially difficult circumstances in the transition to new technology. The Ministry of Information and Communications will coordinate with local authorities, mobilize social resources to support people under policies to be able to switch to 4G synchronously", Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha shared.

By September 2024, the shutdown of 2G waves will affect about 15 million people using "brick" phones. The complete shutdown of 2G waves aims to take advantage of frequency resources for modern telecommunications technology, in line with development trends, with the expectation of promoting 100% of Vietnamese people to use smartphones; creating a digital environment for the national digital transformation strategy. The shutdown of 2G waves also brings practical benefits in information security. The 2G network is considered outdated, has many vulnerabilities, so cybercriminals can infiltrate, eavesdrop on calls, insert messages, and scam users.

TRAN BINH - BA TAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tat-song-2g-khong-ngat-lien-lac-dot-ngot-o-thoi-diem-nay-post728593.html