Global leap to 4G and 5G would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.

• Telecom companies aim to profit from the 2G-to-5G transition as governments worldwide face pressure to free up mobile spectrum.
• Vietnam is the latest country to shut down 2G by offering free 4G phones to the poor.
• India and South Africa have expressed concern that the strategy would cut off phone access for millions of vulnerable people.