Viettel to gift 4G phones to 700,000 2G subscribers

[admin]

Viettel, the state-owned telecom giant, is investing VND300 billion ($12.2 million) to provide 4G phones to 700,000 of its subscribers who are still using 2G devices. This initiative, aimed at facilitating a swift transition to 4G, targets customers in remote areas or those who cannot afford 4G devices. The program will run until October 15, when the 2G network is set to be shut down, with eligible users receiving instructions on how to obtain the new phones from Viettel stores or local representatives.

Viettel is prioritizing subscribers in mountainous regions recently affected by storms, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital transition. The company, which has the most 2G subscribers of any network operator, has seen over eight million of its users switch to 4G this year. To support this shift, Viettel has installed over 6,000 new base stations, expanding 4G coverage to 96% of the population, including remote areas. The move to phase out 2G is part of a broader effort to promote 4G adoption, enabling more people to access digital services and allowing network providers to focus on the development of 5G and 6G technologies.