Encouraging 2G Subscribers to Transition to 5G Services through Personal Appeals

As the date for 2G network shutdown approaches, there is still a significant number of 10 million 2G subscribers. Experts suggest that personalized communication strategies could help in reducing this number.

Mobile network operators are set to initiate the initial phase of the 2G network cessation plan on September 16. Following this, devices supporting only GSM standards will cease to function.

Despite a rapid decline in 2G subscriptions, the current estimate stands at 10 million subscribers. Telcos project that without intervention, millions of 2G users will remain by mid-September.

Viettel Telecom’s Deputy CEO, Nguyen Trong Tinh, aims to reduce Viettel’s 2G subscribers to 2.2 million by September 15.

MobiFone anticipates having around 700,000 2G subscribers in September.

A significant portion of Viettel’s subscribers, 73%, resides in rural and underserved areas where smartphone adoption is low. Many users are expected to upgrade their devices just before the September deadline.

Viettel hopes for support from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) to encourage subscribers to make the transition promptly.

MobiFone notes that most 2G subscribers are in remote regions, posing challenges for operators to reach them effectively. Despite various communication efforts, many of these subscribers remain unreached.

Visual materials and information have been disseminated by VNPT VinaPhone at various service points, particularly in regions with high concentrations of 2G users, to improve communication.

Although VinaPhone employs multiple communication channels, some clients are still unaware of the 2G network shutdown.

In addition to unreachable subscribers, there are uncooperative 2G users who resist changing their devices. VinaPhone has been making calls to inform 2G subscribers about the cessation plan, with 47% agreeing to switch devices while 25% show reluctance.

Regarding uncooperative subscribers, Viettel reports a 30-35% resistance rate, MobiFone 20-25%, and Vietnamobile 20%. Nguyen Phong Nha from the Authority of Telecommunications emphasizes the need for telcos to understand the reasons behind this resistance and provide appropriate assistance. Factors such as unfamiliarity with new technology, financial constraints, or other difficulties may be influencing users’ decisions.