Nowadays, some countries have decided to drop their 2G/3G allocation and replace it with 4G/5G. Apparently, more will follow. This phenomenon already occurred in some parts of the world, especially in Europe and North America. While some other developing countries are also following the steps by issuing their own 2G and 3G Discontinuation Roadmap.
As we know, 2G is a more-than-30-years-old technology, and 3G is more than 20 years now. These networks are old and outdated. So, in order to catch up with the current needs, these need to be upgraded to the better version such as 4G, 5G, or even the upcoming 6G. Besides, 2G/3G network is no longer a profitable business for the operators. And the fact that 4G/5G products are dropping in price, it makes 2G/3G network is no longer desirable for both operators and customers.
H2: 2G and 3G Discontinuation Roadmap
Following this trend, Vietnam telecommunication authority (MIC) announce that the countries is also preparing for the shutdown, as part of their 2G and 3G Discontinuation Roadmap. Despite the big number of 2G/3G subscribers that they still have, the country and its telecom operators have come to an agreement support this plan. This is also strengthened by the fact that the 2G/3G shutdown will give more room for new technologies to grow.
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H3: 2G Shutdown in Vietnam
Based on record, Viettel, one major telecommunication operators in Vietnam, are still having around 7.44 million of 2G subscribers. It’s followed by Vinaphone with 1.3 million, MobiFone with 1 million, and Vietnamobile and virtual network operators (MVNOs) that collectively add up to roughly 500.000 and other few tens of thousands of 2G users. With more than 10 million of total active subscribers, of course, the transition phase to 4G/5G network must be prepared carefully by both authority and network operators.
According to the deadline, the shutdown of 2G network is scheduled to be executed on September 16th 2024. From authority’s side, Vietnam Telecommunication Authority has suggested network operators’ company to encourage their customers migrating to the 4G/5G networks. Companies are urged to conduct their best communications and practice to facilitate users with the migration. That’s why until now, we can see that some measures have been taken by networks’ operators as part of their support to Vietnam’s 2G and 3G Discontinuation Roadmap.
Viettel for examples, it planned to decrease of 2G subscribers down to 5.6 million by July 2024. This number will be again decreased to 2.2 million by September 15th 2024. Therefore, by the end of 2024, Viettel’s customers will only subscribe their 4G and 5G services. Then, it will continue to cut off the 2G connections after the deadline.
While Mobifone, they already took several measures to promote 2G shutdown through several medias including website and Ring Back Tone announcement. Although some measures have been taken, MobiFone still estimates to have around 700.000 active 2G subscribers by September 2024. These subscribers are mostly located in the rural and remote areas, which makes the transition is not as smooth as it’s planned. As for the rest of Network operators, they are also following the steps to promote the migration to 4G/5G networks.
H3: 3G Shutdown in Vietnam
If 2G will be discontinued by September 16th 2024, 3G lifetime in Vietnam is still quite longer. According to Nguyen Phong Nha, the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority, Ministry of Information and Communications, the country plans to shut down the 3G network by September 2028.
So, we still have more than 3 years to prepare. However, some networks operators already took a step. Viettel for example, its director, Nguyen Van Son, confirmed that nearly all Viettel’s customers are now subscribing to their 4G and 5G networks. In another words, currently there’s no 3G subscribers already. That’s why now they only have few hotspots left to support this transition. Viettel is ready for a complete 4G/5G migration by the end of 2024.
Besides Viettel, 3G networks are slowly reduced by other networks operators too. Like MobiFone and VinaPhone, they already decided to stop 3G services where 3G traffic is no longer found. Although in some areas, 3G will still be maintained to accommodate 4G users that has no VoLTE features in their devices. With the 2G and 3G Discontinuation Roadmap being published, clearly Vietnam has made a significant jump.
The country is ready for the big transition in their telecommunication sector. And it opens wider opportunity for new technology to be implemented. As we know, nowadays telecommunication networks are not just about voice and data. It serves much bigger purpose than that, and the increasing needs of customers always demand for faster network speeds, bigger capacities and more efficiency. That’s why we need to appreciate for what MIC did with this policy.
Source: 3G networks to be decommissioned in Vietnam by 2028 (mic.gov.vn)
Over 10 million 2G phone users in Vietnam must switch by September 2024 (mic.gov.vn)
