Vietnam set a target to shutdown 3G networks by September 2028 to pave the way for 4G and 5G services, and meet subscriber demand.
In a statement from the Ministry of Information and Communications, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority, Nguyen Phong Nha, stated the move is to allocate resources to new technologies.
State-owned operator Viettel began shutting down 3G in 2022 and completed the process in Q1, 2023. It currently has no 3G subscribers with only a few hotspots remaining to support transmission, noted the ministry.
Vinaphone and Mobifone will cut 3G services in areas with no 3G traffic. However, they will continue to maintain 3G networks to maintain network access for 3G and 4G devices.
“Viettel is actively transitioning 2G customers to 4G. By the end of 2024, Viettel’s customers will only be 4G and 5G subscribers,” said Nguyen Van Son, Director of Viettel Telecom’s Mobile Center.
“The joint effort to phase out old technologies like 2G and 3G with a relatively long transition period until 2028 will allow users to gradually switch to 4G. This also gives telecom operators time to allocate resources, invest, and optimise their networks, transitioning their subscribers to 4G and 5G. This policy has received unanimous support from telecom operators. I hope the transition plan will be successfully implemented,” said Nha.
BICS Telco Strategy Lead, Kenneth Hardat, added: “It is important not to lose sight of how many people still rely on these legacy networks and ensure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of exacerbating the digital divide and leaving people behind. Four years is a sensible timeframe to transition users off 3G, provided there are public awareness campaigns about the switch.
“It’s also worth noting that many IoT-type devices can run on 2G and 3G networks due to their low-frequency coverage. If these networks are switched off, operators must work with industries to provide alternative connectivity solutions for sensors, trackers and other forms of low-powered IoT devices.”
