Vietnam auctions 900MHz spectrum following 2G shutdown

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Regulation; 09 September 2026; 514 views

Vietnam is set to auction 900MHz spectrum freed up by the country's 2G shutdown, giving mobile operators access to additional low-frequency capacity for expanding 4G and 5G networks.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will auction three paired blocks in the 900MHz band on September 9, covering 900-915MHz and 945-960MHz. Each block offers 2x5MHz of spectrum and has a starting price of VND1.056 trillion (US$40.2 million).

The three blocks cover 900-905/945-950MHz, 905-910/950-955MHz and 910-915/955-960MHz. Operators can bid for a maximum of two blocks, with bids increasing in VND10 billion increments. Each block requires a VND55 billion deposit.

The spectrum has been released following Vietnam's phased retirement of 2G services. The country's 2G networks are due to be fully shut down by September 15, with limited exceptions for certain remote and offshore locations.

Vietnam began restricting services for devices supporting only 2G in October 2024, while operators were given additional time to maintain 2G voice services for subscribers whose older 3G and 4G handsets did not support VoLTE.

The 900MHz band is particularly valuable for rural coverage because its lower frequencies travel further and provide wider coverage than higher-frequency spectrum. Operators are therefore expected to use the newly available capacity to strengthen 4G and 5G coverage as they transition customers away from legacy networks.

Viettel has already retired its 3G network and will operate 4G and 5G following the 2G shutdown. VNPT's VinaPhone and MobiFone will continue operating 3G alongside their 4G and 5G networks.

The auction forms part of Vietnam's wider plan to phase out older mobile technologies and redirect spectrum towards newer networks. The government has also been encouraging smartphone adoption as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.
VietnamNet Global reported that the 900MHz licences will be issued for 15 years, with the government expecting operators to use the spectrum to expand next-generation mobile coverage following the 2G shutdown.