Recently, many people using “brick” phones (older phones, with only basic functions of listening, calling, texting) are confused about whether the phone they are using is subject to magnetic wave interruption. 1-3 or not and if you only have basic needs, is it necessary to spend a lot of money to buy a smartphone?
Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) said that in preparation for stopping the old 2G technology in September 2024, VNPT has a roadmap to turn off 2G waves and optimal conversion support plans.
Since 2 years ago, VNPT has proactively turned off individual 2G stations that do not generate or generate very little traffic. In addition, VNPT also promoted communication of the policy and roadmap to turn off 2G signals to customers. In particular, to support affected customers, VNPT assigned direct support staff and deployed terminal equipment subsidies.
To ensure smooth service and communication, VinaPhone recommends that customers promptly look up information on 2G devices used and convert and upgrade to 3G, 4G, and 5G devices. In particular, to encourage and support customers as much as possible when converting to 2G phones, VinaPhone offers 30GB of free high-speed data (for customers who receive promotional messages) , applicable from January 9 to September 15, 2024.
Phones with only 2G will be disconnected from September 2024
VinaPhone media representative said that the switchboard has sent notification messages to affected users since January 2024 and will text again until September.
“Existing “brick” phones can still be used normally until September 2024, when 2G waves are turned off. Illegal 2G phones (smuggled goods, hand-carried goods, etc.) enter the new network from 1-3 will not be able to connect. If the current mobile phone SIM is installed on a pirated 2G phone, it will not be usable” – VinaPhone media representative explained.
Vinaphone’s message to customers affected when 2G signal is turned off
A representative of Mobifone said that the list of models certified to comply with regulations is published by the Department of Telecommunications at the link: users can compare to know.
Regarding certification of conformity, the Telecommunications Law stipulates: “Terminal equipment, radio equipment, radio wave application equipment, information technology equipment, electrical and electronic equipment are in the list of equipment Telecommunications equipment, radio equipment, radio wave application equipment, information technology equipment, electrical and electronic equipment that may cause unsafety issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications must be implemented. Certification of conformity or declaration of conformity for each type of equipment and use of conformity mark before circulating on the market or connecting to the public telecommunications network.
From network operators’ statistics, by the end of 2023, Vietnam will have about 15 million 2G subscribers. The goal of the Ministry of Information and Communications and businesses is to gradually reduce this number of subscribers. By September 2024, there will be no more 2G subscribers.
It is known that currently on the market there are new generation “brick” phone models that support 4G with prices under 1 million VND/unit for users to switch.
Will support users
At the press conference of the Ministry of Information and Communications taking place at the end of 2023, the representative of the Department of Telecommunications said that the roadmap to stop 2G technology is being developed and deployed by telecommunications businesses based on the orientation of stopping technology. old technology in Official Dispatch No. 4833/BTTTT-CVT dated September 27, 2022 on orientation for implementing the roadmap and plan to stop 2G mobile technology and Notice No. 3095/BTTTT-CTS dated July 31, 2023 announcing Planning for the 900/1800/2100MHz frequency bands.
Accordingly, it is expected that by September 2024, there will no longer be 2G Only subscribers on the mobile network; From September 2024 to September 2026, the 2G system will be maintained to provide voice and texting services for subscribers using 3G and 4G Non-VoLTE devices. At the same time, the Ministry also issued policies and directed telecommunications businesses to implement solutions to support the conversion of subscribers from 2G to 4G.
