Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications outlined a roadmap to begin turning off the country’s 2G networks in early 2022, as it seeks to bolster spectrum stocks for 4G and 5G, VNExpress reported.

Nearly half of the country’s 145 million total mobile subscribers used 2G services at-end September, compared with 55.3 million on 3G and 18.1 million on 4G, GSMA Intelligence data showed.

The ministry aims to improve network efficiency as data consumption rises.

Market leader Viettel received a trial 5G licence in January to use the 3.8GHz and 28GHz bands for tests in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rival MobiFone also was granted a licence for 5G network tests, while Vinaphone is yet to receive a trial permit.