Brian Jeffrey
Vietnam aims to popularize 4G/5G services and smartphones as part of the national digital transformation program by 2025. To achieve this, plans are in place to phase out old mobile technologies such as 2G/3G and promote universal smartphone adoption.
The Authority of Telecommunications (AOT) has emphasized that telcos must assist subscribers in transitioning to 4G/5G services and devices. Failure to comply with this directive may result in the withholding of waveband licenses by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
Telecom companies are expected to facilitate the shift to advanced mobile phones, provide incentives for purchasing 4G smartphones, and expand network coverage to ensure seamless 4G connectivity once 2G services are discontinued.
These initiatives are to be completed by September 2026.
Viettel Telecom’s Deputy CEO, Nguyen Trong Tinh, stated that Viettel has been actively promoting the transition from 2G to 4G for the past four years. Viettel aims to reduce its 2G subscriber base from 16% to below 5% by September 2024.
In alignment with the strategy to phase out 2G, VNPT has already decommissioned low-traffic 2G stations. Despite still having 3 million 2G subscribers, VNPT is committed to converting all remaining 2G users to 4G/5G services.
Nguyen Dinh Hung, CEO of TrueIDC Vietnam, advocates for the rapid discontinuation of 2G services in Vietnam, citing the absence of critical services reliant on 2G as seen in some European countries.
The deployment of new technologies in Vietnam is a priority over maintaining obsolete platforms like 2G.
Efforts to transition from 2G to 4G are essential as they cater to the needs of older individuals, rural residents, and young children who are prevalent users of 2G technology.
Viettel Telecom is offering various support programs to encourage 4G adoption, including free 4G smartphones for subscribers committing to specific service packages and discounts on popular models.
MobiFone, another network operator, has already shut down 40% of its 2G stations and plans to decommission all remaining 2G infrastructure by the end of 2025.
