The program is implemented in 1,700 disadvantaged communes (according to Decision 861/QD-TTg dated June 4, 2021) and 50 communes (according to Decision No. 353/QD-TTg dated March 15, 2022 of the Prime Minister). The recipients of the devices are poor and near-poor households with confirmation from the government, creating conditions for immediate switching to 4G, without interruption of communication on September 16, 2024.
In addition, Viettel also offers free 4G devices to all customers using 2G devices when registering for a long-term package. Customers can choose one of the 4G device lines that Viettel is providing, including V1/V2; V1S; G1/G2. The program will end when the expected phone number is exhausted.
To receive a free 4G device, eligible customers must bring a valid ID card or Citizen ID card along with a certificate of poor/near-poor household to the nearest Viettel store for support.
Ready for service termination on 9/16/2024
Following the roadmap of the Ministry of Information and Communications, with many drastic measures, from the beginning of 2024 until now, Viettel has supported the conversion of more than 8 million 4G devices nationwide. In August alone, more than 3 million 2G devices were successfully converted to 4G.
In addition to 10,000 mobile exchange points located in residential areas and villages, Viettel Telecom also cooperates with community digital transformation teams to popularize digital skills for people. At the same time, it cooperates with chain stores such as mobile phones and Dien May Xanh to support customers in the most convenient way.
Actively implementing many support programs has helped Viettel Telecom reduce the number of 2G subscribers from about 10 million to less than 2% of Viettel's total subscribers nationwide. The goal is that by September 15, 100% of customers will be able to maintain contact and many customers will be able to experience digital utilities.
In addition to the policy of supporting people to switch phones, Viettel also expanded 4G coverage with more than 6,000 new 4G radio stations installed in just the past year (bringing 4G coverage to more than 96%, adding 4 million people in remote and rural areas to 4G), increasing network capacity by 20% to improve user experience. The goal by 2025 is that 4G coverage will be equivalent to 2G, reaching more than 98% of the population.
How to check and distinguish 4G phones to avoid losing money
Taking advantage of the fact that network operators are supporting people to switch from 2G to 4G subscriptions, preparing to stop providing services, and eventually turn off 2G waves, recently there have been cases of bad guys scamming people, especially ethnic minorities and the elderly who are not familiar with technology, to sell fake 4G devices (the screen displays 4G signal bars but is actually a 2G device).
To help people distinguish between real and fake 4G phones, Viettel Telecommunications Corporation recommends that people should only follow the instructions of the network operator or buy phones at reputable retail stores.
Accordingly, Viettel customers can send completely free check messages with 2 syntaxes: KTMay Imei send to 191 to check the device with the SMS SIM installed and KTDT Imei send to 191 to check other devices.
For detailed information about the free 4G device conversion support program and Viettel products and services, please visit the MyViettel app; Viettel Telecom fanpage or call 198 for direct support./.
