Next September, network operators will implement the first phase of the 2G shutdown roadmap. Accordingly, terminal devices that only support the GSM (2G) standard will have their services stopped by network operators.

The number of 2G subscribers in Vietnam is decreasing rapidly. However, the Vietnamese mobile market still has about 10 million 2G subscribers. Estimates from network operators show that if the current conversion rate is maintained, before the time when businesses are forced to stop operating, the country will still have millions of 2G subscribers on the network.

According to Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, Viettel expects to reduce the number of 2G subscribers to about 2.2 million by the deadline of September 15.

Meanwhile, with MobiFone , by September this year, this network operator expects to have about 700,000 2G subscribers who have not yet converted their devices.

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Next September, terminals that only support the GSM (2G) standard will have their services stopped by network operators. Photo: Viet Dung

Explaining the reason, Mr. Tinh said that the characteristic of Viettel subscribers is that 73% are in rural and mountainous areas. The number of poor households is large, making it difficult to access devices. Regarding communication, although the network has done well, due to people's views and perceptions, there will be many users who will upgrade their devices close to the September 15 deadline.

Faced with this reality, Viettel hopes that the Ministry of Information and Communications will have a communication plan to encourage 2G users to switch their subscriptions soon, right now.

Sharing the same view, MobiFone representative said that 2G subscribers often live in remote areas, so it is difficult for the network to reach them. This is one of the barriers that makes it difficult for communication to cover this target group, even though it has been done with many forms such as newspapers, websites, ringback tones...

According to VNPT VinaPhone, images and communication materials have been placed at 100% of transaction points, especially in areas with a large number of 2G subscribers. This is to ensure that the image of the 2G shutdown program reaches all users.

This network also actively coordinates communication with community digital technology groups and “seeding” (spreading) on ​​groups and forums. However, VinaPhone admits that there is still a percentage of customers who do not know about the policy of shutting down 2G waves.

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A mobile user is registering to convert his device to a 4G feature phone. Photo: NVCC

In addition to difficulty reaching customers, network operators also have to deal with a segment of uncooperative 2G subscribers who react when receiving notifications requesting device conversion.

“ When VinaPhone operators call 2G subscribers, 47% of customers agree to change their phones, 25% of customers do not cooperate. In cases where customers are hesitant or need support at home, operators will transfer information to the location so that staff can directly advise and support them, ” said a VinaPhone representative.

With Viettel, the rate of non-cooperative 2G subscribers is about 30-35%. This rate fluctuates from 20-25% with MobiFone subscribers and about 20% with Vietnamobile.

Faced with the above situation, Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Information and Communications) requested network operators to clearly identify who and in which localities are not fully aware of the conversion of subscribers and the shutdown of 2G waves.

The representative of the Telecommunications Department also asked the network operators to focus on finding out the reasons, whether in addition to financial issues, mobile users are still not familiar with the new devices or are facing any difficulties, in order to have specific communication measures for each target group.

“ Speaker channels and community digital technology teams are very practical in communicating in remote areas. Businesses also need to accurately identify areas to focus on and personalize communication with this customer group, thereby changing user awareness, ” a representative of the Telecommunications Department suggested.

Network operators worry about shortage of cheap 4G phones when 2G signal is turned off . Due to the need to upgrade phones when 2G signal is turned off, the Vietnamese mobile market is at risk of shortage of phones, including 4G feature phones and cheap smartphone models, under 3 million VND.