It is necessary to turn off 2G signal in Vietnam soon

For many years now, the security holes of 2G networks have been exploited more and more by cybercriminals, especially the spread of spam messages and SMS fraud. Not only that, 2G is also the reason that hinders the deployment of stronger mobile connections like 4G/5G/6G.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has proposed a plan to stop 2G broadcasting from 2023, even as early as 2022. Roadmap turn off signal 2G It is clear, however, that it needs to be accelerated further, thereby creating momentum for national digital transformation.

Without using telecommunications network infrastructure, without using spam SIMs, with only fake mobile base stations, bad actors can now spread spam messages with the number of up to 80,000 messages/day /1 device. The estimated number of spam messages distributed is up to 151 million messages/month if each province has 1 station.

According to Nguyen Huu Trung of CyStack Cyber ​​Security Joint Stock Company, by using these devices, attackers will collect data transmitted from the victim to the network operator, read messages, and send messages. Send fake messages to the victim, collect information about the victim’s phone number and other mobile data, and even perform denial-of-service attacks.

The trick of spreading impersonation messages is done by cybercriminals mainly through 2G network waves. Because this technology is outdated, security standards as well as encryption are not respected. In terms of network technology development, maintaining 2G waves is taking the place of the band that can be used for the development of 5G, 6G networks… Therefore, it is necessary to turn off 2G waves soon.

However, wanting to turn off 2G waves means reducing the number of users using 2G phones, promoting smartphone use and developing digital infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Pham Duc Long said: “The Ministry of Information and Communications also set out a strategy for infrastructure development including 5G deployment in 2022, basic coverage in 2023. Besides, the Ministry aims to develop a strategy for each household to have fiber optic connection and each resident has a smartphone”.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Information and Communications, from the beginning of the year until now, the total number of smartphone subscribers has been developed over 2 million, from more than 91 million to more than 93 million. The proportion of smartphone users in the total number of mobile users reached 88%. If there are only 5% of 2G phone users left in December this year, this will be a favorable time for Vietnam to turn off 2G waves.

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