HÀ N?I: Vietnam will turn off its 2G technology beginning September 16. Telecommunication service providers are urged to take drastic measures to support their subscribers to switch to mobile phones with higher technology to ensure their interests. But the 2G service will continue to be provided in the Tru?ng Sa (Spratly) and Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelagos until September 15, 2026. According to the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA) under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the 900/1800MHZ band will no longer be used for the 2G mobile communication systems from that day. Top telecommunications company, Viettel, has taken various measures to promote the transition from 2G to 4G for users over the past four years. At present, 2G subscribers account for about 16 percent of the total number of subscribers of Viettel. Meanwhile, Vinaphone has about three million G2 subscribers, equivalent to 8 percent of its total subscribers. Telecommunications providers have also provided finan cial support to help subscribers buy smartphones and offered preferential packages for them. Source: Philippines News agency