In November last year, Vietnam shut down its 2G network, leaving millions without mobile service. The government, however, offered a simple solution: free 4G phones for low-income users. It worked. The number of 2G subscribers dropped from 18 million in January 2024 to just 143,000 by November. Vietnam thus joined a growing list of countries that have phased out the outdated technology—among them Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, Switzerland, and Brazil.
The global move away from 2G is driven by practicality: its frequencies are being repurposed for 4G and 5G networks. This allows telecom operators to expand coverage, lower maintenance costs, and monetize newer user bases. According to GSMA Intelligence, 61 countries—including the U.S., India, and China—are in various stages of decommissioning 2G. But while some praise the shift as technical progress, others warn of the risks of deepening digital inequality. For millions, 2G remains the only connection they can afford.
The Alliance for Affordable Internet estimated that just a few years ago, the cheapest smartphone cost up to 30% of a monthly income in developing countries—an impossible expense for the poorest. Additionally, basic phones remain in demand due to limited digital literacy and poor internet infrastructure in rural areas.
In 2022, South Africa announced plans to switch off 2G by 2024 and 3G by 2025. But those deadlines were scrapped when it became clear that 20 million people risked digital exclusion. Ultra-cheap 2G phones—some costing as little as $8—are still sold widely. Taxi drivers and delivery workers often carry such phones as backups, as they’re less likely to be stolen. Still, telecom providers are gradually scaling back support. Telkom has shut down most of its 2G coverage due to low traffic share (under 1%). MTN and Vodacom are currently prioritizing the shutdown of 3G, which takes up more spectrum.
Janet White, GSMA’s head for the Asia-Pacific region, says operators cannot tackle the challenge alone: “This is a shared responsibility between governments and the private sector.”
Vietnam took a firm approach. Leading provider Viettel distributed 700,000 free 4G phones, investing 300 billion dong (around $12.2 million). Mobifone launched similar programs. Viettel teams traveled from village to village, teaching people how to use the new devices. Ahead of the 2G shutdown, mobile data prices were also reduced.
India’s telecom giant Reliance Jio employed a similar strategy. In 2017, it launched the “virtually free” JioPhone—a 4G button phone with YouTube, payment apps, and messaging services. Within 10 months, it became the best-selling phone in the world, with 18.2 million units sold. The new JioBharat model costs just $12.7. A 5G version is now in development.
Yet 2G is far from disappearing in India. As of 2024, 73% of all feature phones still relied on 2G. And it’s not just about poverty—social norms play a role too: in countries like India and Pakistan, many women still use basic phones, as their internet use is often controlled by fathers, husbands, or brothers.
Conclusion:
2G may be outdated from a technical standpoint, but its social and economic significance is far from obsolete. For millions, it represents not just affordability, but accessibility and autonomy. Shutting it down too hastily risks leaving behind the very populations that most need connectivity. If the digital transition is to be truly inclusive, it must consider more than just bandwidth—it must address education, affordability, and cultural dynamics. The death of 2G isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a human one.