Blocking illegal 2G phones from new networks from March

According to the Telecommunications Department ( Ministry of Information and Communications ), the unit will coordinate with mobile telecommunications service providers to control and prevent new 2G phones (2G only - only support this network technology) from being connected to the network in the near future. From March 1, 2024, network operators will not allow new subscribers to use 2G only phones that are not on the list of certified devices issued by the Ministry (about 4,000 phones).

The change only applies to non-compliant (smuggled) devices. compliant and operational devices will continue to be used until September 2024 according to the previously announced 2G shutdown roadmap. Since July 2021, Vietnam has banned the import of 2G-only phones, but these devices are still being smuggled into the domestic market.

The move by the Telecommunications Department is considered a measure to prevent smuggled 2G phones, while ensuring that devices operating on the network meet safety standards. Currently, Vietnam still has more than 22 million 2G subscribers (as of mid-2023) out of a total of 120 million mobile subscribers. But this number includes people using more than one phone at the same time, including a smartphone and a "brick" device as a secondary phone.

Điện thoại 2G không hợp quy vẫn được kinh doanh trôi nổi trên thị trường — Non-compliant 2G phones are still being sold freely on the market.

In the market, 2G only phone models are usually old phones that have been discontinued for a long time but still work well, sold in small retail stores. These models are cheap, meeting the needs of low-income customers, those who do not use smartphones, the elderly, children... who only need to communicate through calling/calling, texting.

But there are also fake phones of reputable brands (for example, Nokia), with software intervention to edit the interface, displaying fake 4G waves to deceive consumers, making them feel secure that the device will not be cut off on the 2G shutdown route. Telecommunications experts advise users to be vigilant when buying basic phones at small stores to avoid buying smuggled, fake devices that "waste money and cause trouble for people".

Currently, there are still many basic phone models that support 3G, 4G being sold at reputable distribution systems and stores. The price range of this product is about 400,000 to less than 1 million VND. In addition, network operators are also coordinating with partners such as retail systems and terminal manufacturers to bring basic phone models that support 4G, at low prices for people to replace old models that will no longer be suitable from September 2024.

The management agency representative also confirmed the plan to sponsor 400,000 standard telephones to support priority groups such as remote areas and those with special difficulties in converting to new technology.

According to the roadmap set out by September 2024 in Vietnam, there will no longer be 2G only subscribers on the mobile network, but this technology will still be maintained until September 2026 to serve the group of users who are using phones that support 3G and 4G network connection but do not have VoLTE technology integrated.

When people stop using 2G-only phones, they do not need to worry about the ability to connect on 3G or 4G networks. The "Announcement of information and communication infrastructure planning for the period 2021 - 2030, vision to 2050" of the Ministry of Information and Communications stated that although Vietnam is a developing country with a low average income, it has a higher 4G coverage than developed countries with high income. Specifically, 4G coverage in Vietnam is 99.8% while in high-income countries it is 99.4% and more than 84% of Vietnamese people use smartphones.

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