en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Vietnamese government has required all mobile network operators to permanently shut down their remaining 2G base stations by September 15, 2026. After the shutdown, the Ministry of Science and Technology will auction the 900 MHz spectrum previously allocated for 2G services for deployment of new technologies such as 4G and 5G.

The Truong Sa Archipelago, Hoang Sa Archipelago, and DK offshore platforms are the only areas that will continue to receive 2G services. Vietnam's Information and Communications Infrastructure Master Plan for 2021-2030 (approved by the Prime Minister, with a vision to 2050) outlines a roadmap for phasing out old mobile technologies, including 2G and 3G.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (formerly the Ministry of Information and Communications) has issued regulations on the planning of the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands for public IMT terrestrial mobile communication systems in Vietnam. These regulations, effective from June 24, 2024, provide a legal framework for phasing out old mobile technologies and promoting nationwide smartphone adoption.

Since October 26, 2024, mobile operators have stopped providing services to user devices that only support the GSM standard, except for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and services in the Truong Sa Archipelago, Hoang Sa Archipelago, and DK offshore platforms.

Vietnam's 2G mobile network will only operate until September 15, 2026, except in the Truong Sa Archipelago, Hoang Sa Archipelago, and DK offshore platform areas. Since October 2024, mobile operators have been prohibited from activating newly imported 2G-only phones, with the nationwide 2G service shutdown plan set for September 2026.

The 900 MHz spectrum will be reallocated for 4G and 5G services. Vu Thu Hien, Head of the Frequency Policy and Planning Department at the Radio Frequency Department, stated that operators received an additional two-year license after September 2024 to continue providing voice services via the 900 MHz 2G network. This extension was necessary because many early 3G and 4G smartphones do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

These devices will continue to rely on 2G or 3G networks for voice calls until September 2026. After this deadline, the 900 MHz spectrum will be reassessed according to a new frequency allocation plan. The revised plan aims to align spectrum allocation with the ongoing expansion of 4G and 5G technologies. Hien stated that the 900 MHz band will be reclaimed after September 2026, auctioned, and licensed to operators deploying 4G and 5G technologies.

Some residents in Vietnam's northern mountainous provinces continue to rely on basic feature phones (locally known as "brick phones"), which are used due to limited 2G coverage when working in remote farming areas. These devices are inexpensive and have long battery life, making them suitable for agricultural work in remote regions.

With all remaining 2G base stations scheduled to shut down on September 15, 2026, mobile operators must further expand 4G and 5G coverage, especially in remote and underserved areas. After the 900 MHz spectrum auction is completed, operators will gain additional low-band frequencies, which can significantly enhance 4G and 5G coverage nationwide.