Vietnam to start completely turning off 2G service from December

Vietnam is planning to start completely switching off the 2G network from December 2023 to make room for more modern telecommunication technologies to develop.

The 2G mobile network, first used in Vietnam in 1993, has become outdated and no longer able to meet users’ demand or keep up with the growth of telecoms services.

Given this, the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), is planning to completely switch off the 2G network.

Director of the authority Nguyen Thanh Phuc said his agency has held meetings with telecoms service providers in Vietnam, and they pledged to start locking 2G-only devices from December 2023.

Vietnam to start completely turning off 2G service from December -0
Illustrative image.


According to its document issued on September 27, 2022, the MIC has moved to disable the 2G network nationwide. Service providers have also designed technical solutions to eliminate 2G and 3G-only devices.

The complete switch-off is aimed at optimising the frequency reserves to develop more modern telecommunication technologies, including 4G.

The MIC has provided guidance to telecoms service providers in building roadmaps and plans for turning off 2G service and helping users switch to 4G and 5G networks. It targets that the number of 2G mobile subscriptions will decline to about 6 million, or less than 5% of the total, by the end of 2023 and this network will be completely shut down in 2024.

Data of service providers show that there were more than 26 million 2G mobile subscriptions, equivalent to 20% of the 126 mobile subscriptions nationwide, at the start of 2023. It fell to about 23 million as of August.

The switch-off of 2G service has been carried out in many countries such as Japan (2011), Singapore (2017), and China (2021).

As of October 2022, 142 telecoms service providers in 56 countries and territories made plans to shut down 2G and 3G networks, and 51 of them turned off 2G service, according to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.

VNA

Other News

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Strategic tech must address practical challenges: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28 said strategic technologies must tackle Vietnam’s practical challenges, while chairing a meeting of the Government’s Steering Committee for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06.

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City sets sights on becoming semiconductor hub

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to attract investment from global leading groups and companies in the fields of electronic components, semiconductors and chip manufacturing as it seeks to position itself as a leading semiconductor industry hub in both the region and the world. 

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

Ho Chi Minh City launches upgraded technology exchange platform

The upgraded platform represents a comprehensive shift from a simple information-sharing model to a managed online technology trading system, enabling monitoring and measurement of real transaction outcomes. It is built on three pillars, namely new tradable technology products, a modern digital platform, and an improved operational model.

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI – unmissable opportunity for Vietnam: Experts

AI also emerges as a key enabler for Vietnam's ambition to build financial and technology hubs. Applications can boost efficiency, automate workflows, cut costs, and sharpen data analytics, which are essential pillars of a modern financial system.

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

PM calls for accelerated space technology development in Vietnam

Vietnam aims by 2030 to achieve a mid-level position in space science and technology development within Southeast Asia, and after 2030 to build national capabilities to independently develop satellite technologies and apply space data to address global challenges and national security needs.

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

High-level forum advances Vietnam–US technological cooperation

A high-level executive leadership forum focusing on strengthening Vietnam - US relations through technology cooperation was jointly held in Washington D.C. on March 11 by the Embassy of Vietnam in the US, the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University, and the US -ASEAN Business Council (USABC). 

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

AI Law takes effect, anchors national governance framework

While many countries are still drafting policy blueprints or issuing non-binding guidance, Vietnam has moved ahead with a standalone Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), effective from March 1, placing it among a select group of nations to adopt dedicated AI legislation at the parliamentary level. 

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026 preparations move into high gear

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, themed “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation and Development,” will be organised on a larger scale, featuring a wide array of weapons and technical equipment alongside product exhibitions, seminars and panel discussions, drills, live field demonstrations, and business networking activities.

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry requests urgent measures to counter UAVs threatening aviation safety

Ministry of Construction requested the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal steering committees for counter-terrorism to strengthen the management, inspection and supervision of UAVs and other aerial devices, ensuring strict compliance with Decree No. 288/2025/ND-CP and relevant legal regulations.