The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has quoted the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) as announcing that 2G signals will be turned off by September 2024. Frequency licenses issued to carriers deploying 2G will expire at that time.

Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the MoIC’s Vietnam Telecommunications Authority said that the ministry is working to start 6G technology by 2030.

2G phones will no longer be used, imported, or distributed, he added.

Figures from network operators put the number of 2G subscribers at about 15 million.

The ministry issued a regulation prohibiting the import of 2G devices from 2020. Devices still being imported are through unofficial channels.

To prepare for the roadmap, mobile telecommunications carriers are currently developing policies to support users when 2G signals end, focusing on two main support elements for terminal support devices and telecommunications charges, so that customers can proactively switch to using smartphones.

Some major network operators have already turned off 2G and 3G signals in areas with low demand for these services.

Others have also prepared cheap 4G phones at only VND300,000 ($12.5) for voice and texting services to serve a small class of customers who only need such features.