Scenario: a 70-year-old using a 2G “brick phone” for a decade wakes to find she cannot call her children — because 2G is gone. Vietnam’s 2G sunset is complete: remaining 2G-only users had to switch — with legal protections for their rights in the transition.
The 2G sunset: complete
Under the Ministry of Information and Communications’ roadmap (now the Ministry of Science and Technology): from 16 September 2024, service stopped for 2G-only handsets; and from 00:00 on 16 September 2026, 2G was switched off nationwide. As of this writing (October 2026), 2G is fully off — 2G-only handsets no longer work.
Subscriber rights in the transition
- Advance notice: carriers had to notify every affected subscriber of the roadmap and switch-off timing.
- Transition support: carriers ran support programs (subsidized 4G handsets, migration guidance) — users should contact service points.
- Number retention: moving from 2G to 4G/smartphones keeps the number — subscriber numbers, balances and plans carry over with device changes.
- No forced upselling: users may keep suitable current plans when switching devices.
Carrier duties after switch-off
After 2G shutdown, carriers must ensure 4G/5G quality across former 2G coverage (no “white spots” post-sunset), keep supporting elderly and remote users’ migration, and handle transition complaints under consumer protection law (Law 19/2023/QH14).
Frequently asked questions
1. Is 2G fully switched off?
Yes. Vietnam switched off 2G nationwide from 00:00 on 16 September 2026 (2G-only handsets cut off from 16 September 2024). 2G-only phones no longer work.
2. Does switching from 2G to 4G lose the number?
No — numbers, balances and plans carry over; only a compatible SIM and 4G-capable handset are needed.
3. What support did carriers provide for 2G sunset?
Transition programs (subsidized 4G handsets, guidance); users contact service points for support.
4. Did rural areas lose coverage after switch-off?
They must not. Carriers must ensure 4G/5G quality across former 2G areas — no post-sunset “white spots”.
5. Where to complain about 2G transition issues?
To the carrier first; if unresolved, to the telecom regulator or under Consumer Protection Law 19/2023/QH14.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council.