Vietnam to Phase Out 2G Mobile Technology in September

HANOI — Vietnam has announced that it will discontinue its 2G technology starting September 16, encouraging a nationwide shift towards more advanced mobile communication systems.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA) under the Ministry of Information and Communications, the 900/1800MHz band will cease to support 2G mobile communication systems from the specified date. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the technological infrastructure across the country. Service providers have been directed to facilitate their subscribers’ transition to devices capable of supporting higher technologies, such as 4G, to protect consumer interests.

However, 2G services will still be available in the Tru?ng Sa (Spratly) and Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelagos until September 15, 2026, ensuring connectivity in these remote areas. Viettel, the nation’s leading telecommunications company, has been actively promoting this transition for the past four years. Currently, approximately 16 percent of Viettel’s subscribers are still using 2G networks. In comparison, Vinaphone, another major provider, reports that about three million of its subscribers, or 8 percent of the total, are on 2G plans.

Telecommunications companies are also offering financial incentives to help users upgrade their phones. These include subsidies for new smartphones and preferential pricing packages designed to make the transition more affordable for consumers.