On September 13, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications issued Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BTTTT, suspending certain aspects of Circulars No. 03/2024/TT-BTTTT and 04/2024/TT-BTTTT related to frequency planning for the IMT public terrestrial mobile information system. As a result, the shutdown date for 2G services has been postponed to October 15, 2024, instead of the previously scheduled September 16 date.

The original circulars mandated the cessation of services for GSM-standard mobile systems in specified frequency bands for devices that only support 2G. However, exceptions were allowed for devices used for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and in special areas like Truong Sa and Hoang Sa.

Mr. Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Department of Telecommunications, explained that the postponement was requested by telecommunications companies due to the impact of natural disasters and storms, which could disrupt communications for approximately 1.8 million 2G-only subscribers who had not yet transitioned.

The decision to delay the 2G shutdown does not alter the Ministry’s long-term goal of discontinuing 2G services but aims to address immediate needs during challenging conditions. The suspension will also facilitate a smoother transition to more advanced mobile technologies. Circular No. 10/2024/TT-BTTTT will take effect on September 16, 2024, lasting until October 15, 2024.