According to the roadmap, from September 15th, the 2G network will stop broadcasting nationwide, except for some special areas. However, the actual 2G shutdown process has been gradually implemented by network operators by region instead of waiting until this time to implement it simultaneously.
Notably, the subjects that may be affected are not only people who are using 2G phones.
Why can 4G phones also be affected?
According to sharing from Viettel network operator, in fact, some smartphones, even if they display 4G and have normal Internet access, when making or receiving calls, still switch to 2G network to maintain voice connection. This process happens automatically, so most users do not realize it.
When 2G signal is no longer available, these phones need to make direct calls on the 4G network via VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology. If the device does not support, VoLTE is not turned on, or the subscriber has not activated the service, users may still access the Internet via 4G but encounter interruptions when making or receiving calls.
In other words, a phone with 4G does not necessarily mean that it can definitely make normal calls after 2G is turned off.
The group of users who need to pay more attention are those who are using old phones, laptops or devices not officially distributed in Vietnam. With these devices, users should proactively check their ability to make calls on the 4G network before the 2G signal is turned off.
Who needs to check the phone?
4G smartphone users do not necessarily have to change phones. First, it is necessary to check if the phone supports VoLTE and whether this feature has been activated.
On many devices, users can go to Settings > Mobile Network or SIM and mobile network, then find options such as VoLTE, VoLTE Calls, 4G Calls or 4G Voice and Data. The name and location of the feature may vary depending on the company and software version.
According to recommendations from experts, if you cannot use calls on 4G network, users should check three factors: Is the phone supporting VoLTE or not, is the SIM 4G/5G or not, and has the subscriber activated the 4G voice service or not.
If the SIM is not compatible, customers can go to the transaction point for SIM exchange support. If the phone does not support it, users need to switch to 4G, 5G devices capable of making calls on 4G network.
Stopping 2G technology helps release frequency resources for new generation mobile technologies, improve infrastructure efficiency and service quality, and promote the process of user migration to the 4G, 5G environment.
Before turning off 2G, users should proactively check their phones, SIM cards and the ability to make calls on the 4G network to ensure that communication is not interrupted.
