Vietnam 2G Network Shutdown: What It Means for Devices
Vietnam 2G Network Shutdown: GSM Ends and MST Re-plans the 900 MHz Band for 4G and 5G Devices
The Vietnam 2G network shutdown is now complete. Under Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BTTTT, GSM networks in the 900 MHz band could keep running only until the end of 15 September 2026, and from 16 September 2026 the band follows a new plan set by Circular No. 29/2026/TT-BKHCN. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) confirmed the national switch-off on 15 September and published the consolidated text of the band plan in the Official Gazette in October.
Background: a two-step exit from GSM
Vietnam didn't switch 2G off overnight. The former Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) set the path in Circular 04/2024/TT-BTTTT, signed on 10 May 2024 and in force since 24 June 2024. It planned 880–915 MHz and 925–960 MHz for IMT systems and let existing GSM networks continue under two conditions.
First, from 16 September 2024 operators stopped serving subscriber terminals that support only GSM. There were two exceptions: machine-to-machine (M2M) devices that send and receive data over the GSM network, and service on the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa islands and the DK offshore platforms. Second, GSM could stay on air from 16 September 2024 to the end of 15 September 2026, again except in those special areas.
MST, which now issues these band plans, amended the circular with Circular 29/2026/TT-BKHCN, dated and in force from 31 May 2026. It sets out what happens to the band once GSM ends. The consolidated text, No. 27/2026/VBHN-TT-BKHCN, was authenticated on 17 October 2026.
Key Changes in the Vietnam 2G Network Shutdown
GSM is gone, and so is the M2M exception
The second deadline has passed, so the GSM network itself is no longer allowed outside the Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and DK areas. The M2M exception only ever covered service on a GSM network. With the network switched off, 2G-only trackers, smart meters, alarm panels, payment terminals and other machine devices have nothing to connect to.
A new 900 MHz band plan from 16 September 2026
From 16 September 2026, 890–915 MHz (uplink) and 935–960 MHz (downlink) are used for IMT-2000, IMT-Advanced, IMT-2020 and later systems in FDD mode. Each direction is split into five 5 MHz blocks (C1 to C5 and C1' to C5'), replacing the four uneven blocks of the earlier plan. One organisation can hold no more than 2×10 MHz in the band.
3G has an end date
The amended plan says IMT-2000 systems in these frequencies can be used until the end of 14 September 2028. IMT-2000 is the 3G family, so devices that fall back to 3G in this band have about two years of service left there.
Voice needs VoLTE
MST warned that some 4G devices that don't support VoLTE, or don't have it enabled, may have problems with voice calls once 2G is off. Operators asked users to check their device and SIM and turn VoLTE on.
What This Means for Manufacturers
2G-only products, including M2M and IoT devices, can't work on Vietnamese mobile networks any more, whatever approvals they hold.
4G phones and voice-capable devices for Vietnam need working VoLTE on local networks, not just LTE data.
Products that use 3G as a fallback should be planned around the 14 September 2028 end date for IMT-2000 in the 900 MHz band.
Cellular IoT designs are better served by LTE, LTE-M or NB-IoT modules, or by 5G where relevant.
The circulars don't change Vietnam's type approval or conformity procedures. What changes is the network your product connects to.
Distributors still holding 2G-only stock for Vietnam should withdraw or redirect it.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Before | After | Impact level |
GSM network | Allowed until 15 September 2026 | Ended, except Truong Sa, Hoang Sa and DK platforms | High |
2G-only phones | No service since 16 September 2024 | No service | Low |
2G-only M2M/IoT devices | Served on GSM as an exception | No network to connect to | High |
900 MHz band plan | 880–915 / 925–960 MHz, four blocks (10, 8.4, 8.2, 8.2 MHz) | 890–915 / 935–960 MHz, five 5 MHz blocks | Medium |
3G (IMT-2000) | Allowed | Allowed in the band until 14 September 2028 | Medium |
Voice on 4G devices | 2G fallback available | VoLTE needed | High |
Type approval procedure | Current rules | Unchanged by these circulars | Low |
Timeline and Required Actions
Key Dates
Date | Milestone |
10 May 2024 | Circular 04/2024/TT-BTTTT signed (in force 24 June 2024) |
16 September 2024 | Operators stop serving GSM-only terminals, except M2M and special areas |
31 May 2026 | Circular 29/2026/TT-BKHCN signed and in force |
15 September 2026 | Last day of GSM use nationwide |
16 September 2026 | New 890–915 / 935–960 MHz plan applies |
17 October 2026 | Consolidated text 27/2026/VBHN-TT-BKHCN authenticated |
14 September 2028 | Last day for IMT-2000 (3G) systems in the band |
Required Actions for Manufacturers
List every product sold in Vietnam that uses a 2G-only cellular module, including M2M and IoT devices already in the field.
Move those designs to LTE, LTE-M or NB-IoT modules.
Test VoLTE on Vietnamese operator networks for phones and other voice devices.
Review products that rely on 3G fallback against the 14 September 2028 date.
Check that new or redesigned modules hold the Vietnamese approvals they need before launch.
Tell distributors and customers what happens to 2G-only stock and installed devices.
Conclusion
The Vietnam 2G network shutdown closes a transition that started in 2024. For phones it changes little, because 2G-only handsets lost service two years ago, but for M2M and IoT products that relied on GSM the network is now gone. The next date to plan for is 14 September 2028, when 3G use in the 900 MHz band ends. Contact our team for support with Vietnam type approval and module transitions.
