MIC Vietnam is implementing a roadmap to turn off the signal with 2G and 3G mobile technologies:
– On July 31st, 2023, MIC issued official dispatch 3095/BTTTT-CTS announcing the planning roadmap for the 900 MHz, 1800 Mhz, and 2100 MHz frequency bands as follows:
- 900 MHz band: By September 15th, 2026, technology from 3G (IMT-2000) or higher can be used. The system using existing 2G technology will continue to be used to maintain voice service for 3G and 4G terminal devices. non-VoLTE.
After September 15th, 2026, only 4G (IMT-Advanced) or 5G, will no longer be used for 2G and 3G technology.
- 1800 MHz band: The existing 2G system will continue to be maintained to provide voice and SMS services for 3G and 4G-nonVoLTE subscribers until September 15th, 2026 and only use the guard band of the 4G carrier.
- 2100 MHz band: By September 14th, 2028, it can use 3G (IMT-2000) or higher technology.
After September 14 th, 2028, only technology 4G (IMT-Advanced) or 5G, will no longer be used for 2G and 3G technology.
This means that manufacturers should prepare the response of mobile devices to the frequency bands for 4G (n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n41)
In addition, recently MIC Vietnam also issued QCVN standards and added them to Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT (list of goods requiring type approval) related to phones/mobile terminals such as:
- QCVN 117:2023/BTTTT (applicable to terminals/mobile phones, except 5G terminals/mobile phones) is applied for certification of conformity from February 15th, 2024. Note: Mobile phones must use E-UTRA technology and must support VoLTE voice feature as well as support bands n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n41
- 5G NR mobile phones are required to support both SA stand-alone operating mode and NSA hybrid mode, and must support the frequency bands specified in QCVN 127:2021/BTTTT including bands n1, n3, n5, n8, n28 (FDD), n40, n41, n77, n78, n258 (TDD).
Circular 02/2024/TT-BTTTT will take effect from May 15, 2024
This means that from May 15 th, 2024, imported phone/mobile terminal devices must meet VoLTE and for 5G mobile phones must meet both SA and NSA to be eligible for certification of conformity.
Type Approval Impacted? Yes
Spectrum Impacted? Yes
Imports Impacted? Yes