ew phones that only support 2G will not be able to connect to the country’s mobile network from March 1, according to the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority.
The agency, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Communications, said the only exceptions would be phones on the list of certified devices published by the ministry.
This list features around 4,000 2G devices, most of them produced years ago since imports of 2G-only phones were banned in July 2021. They will be able to connect normally until the country’s 2G network is shut down this September.
This is the next step in the road map to phase out 2G technology, promote smart phones, and ensure that devices operate on safe public telecommunications networks. It could help prevent the smuggling of 2G devices, which are still being sold in Vietnam despite the import ban, telecommunications experts said.
