On July 24th, the Vietnam Telecommunication Authority, part of the Ministry of Information and Communications, convened with telecom companies to address the impending shutdown of the 2G network. To ensure a smooth transition, weekly meetings will be held to resolve any issues encountered by telecom operators.
As of June 2024, over 10 million 2G subscribers remain in Vietnam, and they must transition to new devices by September 16th, 2024. The Vietnam Telecommunication Authority has emphasized that the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands will not be reallocated unless telecom companies present plans to phase out 2G GSM technology by the deadline.
Telecom Companies' Transition Plans:
- Viettel: Plans to reduce its 2G subscriber base from over 7 million to around 2.2 million by September 15, 2024. Viettel will terminate remaining 2G connections after the deadline.
- MobiFone: Actively promoting the 2G shutdown through media, its website, and targeted advertisements in 2G ringtones. Despite these efforts, MobiFone expects approximately 700,000 2G users to remain, primarily in remote and rural areas.
- VinaPhone: Focuses on internal communication to ensure staff are well-informed about the 2G shutdown. All VinaPhone locations now provide information and support to customers, especially in regions with a high concentration of 2G users.
The transition to newer technologies is critical as Vietnam phases out 2G services to enhance network efficiency and connectivity.
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Regulatory Impact
| Impact Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Top Priority | |
| Type Certificate | |
| Spectrum Bands | |
| Import Changes (HS Codes) | |
| Standard Changes | |
| Product Changes | |
| Label Changes |