2G signal shutdown after October 15: Will customers who have not switched from 2G to 4G have their rights guaranteed?

VOV.VN - According to the roadmap, after the deadline for turning off 2G waves is extended to October 15, starting from October 16, mobile devices that only use 2G technology will no longer be able to make or receive calls. However, users who have not yet switched can still go to telecommunications service providers to switch devices, transfer SIM cards to new devices and continue using the service.

The cessation of 2G services is in line with the development trend in the world, so that telecommunications businesses can invest in upgrading infrastructure, covering 4G and 5G technology more widely, bringing better experiences to users. Telecommunications businesses have many programs to support customers in the process of converting from 2G feature phones (2G push-button phones) to 4G, 5G smartphones or 4G feature phones.

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Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha - Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Information and Communications - stated that the 4G network is the most basic network, or the most important network for mobile service businesses.

For poor households, near-poor households, or customers in remote, isolated, and disadvantaged areas, telecommunications companies have a policy of giving away free phones, without having to register for a package. This is also one of the policies to accelerate the conversion from 2G to 4G.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Dung - Deputy Head of MobiFone Telecommunications Services Department - said that after stopping providing 2G services, this unit still reserves accounts for customers: "The remaining 2G devices are also very few, the devices will be blocked, but we will also keep the accounts and subscribers and add days, so that customers have time to switch, the SIM installed in the new device can still be used immediately (avoiding unnecessary complaints), which means that the customer's account is still reserved.

For customers who have already switched, we have many effective ways. For subscribers who switch from feature phone to smartphone and convert themselves (ie pay for the phone themselves), we give away a package. Subscribers who receive the 100% free device program must register to use Mobifone's service for at least 12 months." As of October 10, there are 360,000 subscribers on Viettel's network who only use 2G (2G Only). After 24 hours tonight (October 15), with the efforts of Viettel's staff in the past few days, it is expected that only about 100,000 subscribers will have their 2G service suspended. Along with assigning staff to go directly to customers to help them convert 2G devices to 4G depending on each person's conditions, Viettel also continuously invests in additional 4G and 5G broadcasting stations. Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh - Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom - said: "The most difficult thing for network operators is to meet the 4G coverage area that is wide enough, at least equivalent to 2G, to be able to turn off 2G. This is something we have been very interested in for several years. Viettel's goal is to try our best to cover 4G equivalent to 2G, or better than 2G, so that we can prepare to turn off 2G. After turning off 2G, we continue to launch 4G in remote areas where there may be small depressions, or where the signal is not as good as 2G. We must continue to implement and according to the plan, by the end of 2024, 4G coverage will be equivalent to 2G". The majority of 2G subscribers using mobile networks are in rural, mountainous, remote areas, islands, etc., so when implementing the roadmap to turn off 2G waves, many customers do not know the information. Therefore, in addition to calling directly, sending SMS messages to customers' 2G mobile devices, many places are also supported by the Community Digital Technology Team and grassroots propagandists by going to their homes to guide people to convert devices. After implementing propaganda measures, mobilizing and guiding customers to convert devices from 2G to 4G, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group - VNPT found that many customers still prefer to use 4G push-button phones (feature phones). Therefore, VNPT has prepared a number of 4G phones to carry out support activities to change devices very early for many groups. different customers. Mr. Do Manh Dung - Acting Director of VNPT Personal Customer Department - shared: "For the group of customers who are not used to using smartphones, it is also quite suitable in the transition process: That is, 30% still choose feature phones. We also think that there are 2 main groups: One is the group that does not want to use smartphones, or use 2 devices. The second group is not used to using smartphones. In general, network operators, including VinaPhone, we support feature phones for customers. For Vina Phone, we have also supported nearly 100,000 feature phones for free, so that customers can continue to use the service. In the future, following the digital transformation orientation, we will continue to advocate and create preferential policies so that people will continue to switch from feature phones to smartphones and ensure the correct orientation of the Ministry of Information and Communications on converting customers to the digital environment". Stopping 2G technology will be implemented in 2 phases: By the end of October 15, the service provision for 2G only subscriber terminals will be stopped; By September 2026, the entire 2G network will be stopped, to reserve resources for 4G and 5G networks. Therefore, subscribers who have not yet switched to 4G, starting from October 16, when making the first call of the day, will be able to receive a notification tone about the need to switch to 4G devices (depending on the service of each network operator). The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Information and Communications has requested that telecommunications service providers continue to have customer care policies to convert 2G subscribers to devices. 4G after October 15, to ensure consumer rights. In particular, customers also need to know that 2G technology has been outdated for 30 years, when using 4G technology, customers have more opportunities to use smarter services, can participate in online public services, pay online, access information as well as experience many other services on the Internet. Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha - Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Information and Communications - stated: "The 4G network is the most basic network, or the most important network of mobile service businesses. When doing mobile service business like that, 4G network is certainly, to ensure service quality according to the increasingly high demand of users, the network operators are more aware of this than anyone else and have continuously invested. In addition, with the demand for use and requirements for administrative services, commercial services on the 4G network, currently the villages have also been covered. I believe that in the coming years, the quality of the 4G network will basically ensure the needs of users". After October 15, that is, when the network operators block the 2-way listening and calling of 2G subscribers, customers can still go to service providers to receive full instructions on how to convert 2G devices to 4G devices. Telecommunications companies also affirm that they will ensure the best interests of consumers and users always have the right to choose smartphones or 4G feature phones, with attractive support programs.

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