Effective September 15, 2026, all mobile network operators in Vietnam must permanently deactivate their remaining 2G base stations. Following this shutdown, the Ministry of Science and Technology will auction the 900 MHz spectrum, previously allocated to 2G services, for the deployment of newer technologies, including 4G and 5G.
The Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos, as well as DK offshore platforms, will remain the only areas to continue receiving 2G service.
Vietnam’s Information and Communications Infrastructure Master Plan for 2021–2030, approved by the Prime Minister with a vision to 2050, establishes a roadmap for phasing out legacy mobile technologies, including 2G and 3G.
The Ministry of Science and Technology, formerly the Ministry of Information and Communications, issued regulations governing the planning of the 1800 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands for Vietnam’s public IMT terrestrial mobile communications system. Effective since June 24, 2024, these regulations provide the legal framework for retiring legacy mobile technologies and advancing nationwide smartphone adoption.
As of October 26, 2024, mobile operators ceased providing services to subscriber devices supporting only the GSM standard, with exceptions for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and services in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos and DK offshore platforms.
Therefore, Vietnam’s 2G mobile network will remain operational only until September 15, 2026, except in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa archipelagos and DK offshore platform areas.
Since October 2024, mobile carriers have been prohibited from activating newly imported 2G-only handsets. The nationwide shutdown of 2G services is scheduled for September 2026.
The 900 MHz spectrum will be reassigned for use in 4G and 5G services.
Vu Thu Hien, Head of the Frequency Policy and Planning Division at the Radio Frequency Department, stated that operators received an additional two-year license after September 2024 to continue providing voice services over the 900 MHz 2G network. This extension was necessary because many early-generation 3G and 4G smartphones lack support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
These devices will continue to rely on 2G or 3G networks for voice calls until September 2026.
Following this deadline, the 900 MHz spectrum will be reassessed under a new frequency allocation plan. The revised plan aims to align spectrum distribution with the ongoing expansion of 4G and 5G technologies. Hien said:
"The 900 MHz frequency 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 referred to as “brick phones,” while working in remote farming areas due to limited 2G coverage. These devices are inexpensive and provide extended battery life, making them suitable for agricultural work in remote locations.
With the scheduled shutdown of all remaining 2G stations on September 15, 2026, mobile operators must further expand 4G and 5G coverage, especially in remote and underserved regions. Upon completion of the 900 MHz spectrum auction, operators will acquire additional low-band frequencies, which can substantially enhance nationwide 4G and 5G coverage.
