The Ministry of Information and Communications has decided to completely turn off 2G network on October 15, one month later than its initial deadline, the Government News has reported.

The latest decision was made after telecoms operators suggested the MIC postpone the 2G switch-off for one month more to keep communications uninterrupted, especially when about 3.4 million 2G-only subscribers have yet to change to higher services by September 15.

The new deadline does not change the MIC's strategic target of stopping the 2G service. It is expected to help with technology transition and accelerate the application of more advanced mobile technologies in Vietnam.

Accordingly, the networks using the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard on the frequency bands of 1710-1785 MHz, 1805-1880 MHz, 880-915 MHz, and 925-960 MHz will stop supplying services for 2G-only devices.

Only machine-to-machine (M2M) devices and special areas such as Truong Sa (Spratly), Hoang Sa (Paracel), and the DK platforms (complexes of economic, scientific and technical services built on the country’s southern continental shelf) are exceptions.

So far, around 40 countries across the world have completely stopped 2G, with the rest aiming to do so by 2028-2030.