Vietnam has banned the import and manufacture of 2G and 3G cell phones. The country plans to provide 2.1 million smartphones to low-income households between 2021-2025.

According to the ban issued by Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications, all mobile communication terminals manufactured or imported in Vietnam must support 4G networks or higher network technology starting July 2021.

The affected suppliers include HMD Global, Itel, Masstel and Mobell, major suppliers of feature phones in Vietnam.

Currently, 2G and 3G terminals can still be used and circulated in Vietnam. However, the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications will not provide license renewals and extensions after the 2G and 3G network licenses expire in September 2024.