Vietnam’s mobile operators will suspend call services for all unverified SIM cards starting June 15, 2024, as part of the government’s push to enforce stricter identity verification requirements under Decision 19/2023/QĐ-TTg on mobile service management. The move affects approximately 20 million active SIM cards nationwide that remain unverified, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
Mobile carriers Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone, and Cellcard have begun notifying customers, with reports of temporary service disruptions as users rush to verification centers. The MIC states that unverified SIMs will lose call functionality but retain text messaging and data services until June 30, after which all services will be fully suspended unless verification is completed.
This policy shift follows a 2023 crackdown on illegal SIM sales, which authorities say has reduced fraudulent registrations by 40% since implementation. However, the new deadline has created urgency among consumers who must now verify their identities through biometric methods, including facial recognition at authorized transaction points.
Why Is Vietnam Enforcing SIM Verification Now?
The MIC’s decision stems from three key concerns: national security, tax evasion prevention, and compliance with international anti-fraud standards. According to a May 2024 MIC advisory, unverified SIMs have been linked to illegal activities including cybercrime, money laundering, and tax evasion through anonymous prepaid services.
Viettel, the country’s largest carrier with 65 million subscribers, reported that 12% of its active lines remain unverified as of May 2024. The company’s CEO, Nguyen Manh Hung, stated in a recent press release that the verification process would “significantly reduce fraud risks” while ensuring compliance with Vietnam’s revised telecommunications law.
International pressure has also played a role. The Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) has repeatedly highlighted Vietnam’s progress in aligning with the APT’s Mobile Number Portability Framework, which requires biometric verification for all prepaid services. The June 15 deadline marks the final phase of this transition.
What Happens If My SIM Isn’t Verified by June 15?
Unverified SIMs will experience a staged service reduction:
- June 15–30: Call services suspended; SMS and data remain active.
- July 1: All services (calls, SMS, data) will be fully disabled unless verification is completed.
- Permanent deactivation: SIMs not verified by August 31, 2024, will be permanently blocked and require re-registration.
Mobile operators have confirmed that no exceptions will be granted for unverified lines, including those registered before 2023. The MIC emphasizes that this policy applies uniformly across all carriers.
For users relying on mobile banking, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has clarified that digital transactions will not be immediately affected if a SIM is unverified. However, two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS may fail, requiring users to switch to email-based verification or visit bank branches for temporary access.
How to Verify Your SIM Before the Deadline
Verification requires visiting one of 12,000 authorized transaction points nationwide, where users must present:
- Original ID (passport, resident ID, or military ID for veterans).
- A recent utility bill or tax invoice as proof of address.
- Facial recognition scan (mandatory for all new and unverified SIMs).
The MIC recommends scheduling appointments in advance, as queues have reportedly exceeded 3 hours at peak times in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Users can check verification status via their carrier’s official app or by dialing *111# (Viettel), *113# (Vinaphone), or *114# (Mobifone/Cellcard).
Step-by-Step Verification Process:
- Visit an authorized transaction point with required documents.
- Submit your SIM card and ID for manual inspection.
- Complete a facial recognition scan (takes 2–3 minutes).
- Receive a verification code via SMS to confirm completion.
- Check your carrier’s app or dial *### to confirm active status.
For those who have changed phones recently, the MIC advises using the facial recognition re-authentication feature available at all transaction points. This process requires presenting both the old and new SIMs along with ID.
Will My Digital Banking Be Affected?
The SBV has issued a statement confirming that core banking services—including fund transfers, bill payments, and e-wallet top-ups—will continue functioning even if a SIM is unverified. However, security-sensitive actions may be restricted:
- SMS-based 2FA: Will fail for unverified SIMs, requiring email or in-branch authentication.
- New account registrations: Mobile banking apps may block registrations until SIM verification is complete.
- Large transactions: Some banks may require additional verification steps for amounts exceeding VND 50 million (~USD 2,100).
Vietcombank and Techcombank have already updated their mobile apps to display warnings for unverified SIM users, directing them to complete verification before attempting sensitive transactions. The SBV recommends contacting your bank’s customer service for temporary workarounds if SMS-based authentication fails.
What If I Miss the Deadline?
SIMs not verified by June 15 will enter a 45-day grace period where call services remain suspended but can be reactivated by completing verification. After July 15, all services will be permanently disabled unless the user:
- Visits a transaction point to verify the SIM.
- Purchases a new SIM card (subject to new registration requirements).
- Provides a valid reason for delay (e.g., temporary relocation abroad) with supporting documents.
The MIC has stated that exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis for users who can demonstrate they attempted verification but faced technical issues. However, no extensions beyond August 31 will be granted.
How Facial Recognition Works for SIM Verification
Vietnam’s facial recognition system for SIM verification uses a government-approved biometric database integrated with the national ID system. The process involves:
- Liveness detection: The system checks for live presence to prevent photo/spoofing attacks.
- 3D facial mapping: Captures depth information to ensure accuracy.
- Cross-referencing: Matches the scan against the national ID database.
- Real-time verification: Results are available within 30 seconds at transaction points.
For users who have changed phones, the MIC recommends using the “SIM Transfer” service available at all transaction points. This allows you to transfer your number to a new SIM while maintaining your verified status. The process requires:
- Both old and new SIMs.
- Original ID and proof of address.
- A new facial recognition scan.
Viettel’s technical team has reported a 98% success rate for facial recognition verification, with errors typically resolved within 24 hours by visiting a carrier service center.
Who Is Most Affected by the SIM Verification Deadline?
While the policy impacts all mobile users, certain groups face higher risks:
- Prepaid users: 60% of Vietnam’s 170 million mobile subscribers rely on prepaid plans, which require stricter verification than postpaid.
- Rural residents: Areas with limited transaction points (e.g., mountainous regions) may experience longer verification delays.
- Digital nomads/expats: Those without local IDs may need to visit embassies for temporary verification documents.
- Businesses: Companies using dedicated SIMs for IoT devices or employee communications must verify each line individually.
The MIC has partnered with local authorities to set up mobile verification units in remote provinces, including Ha Giang, Kon Tum, and Ca Mau. Users can check the nearest location via their carrier’s app or by dialing *111#.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you haven’t verified your SIM yet, the MIC recommends taking these actions immediately:
- Check verification status: Dial your carrier’s code (*111#, *113#, or *114#) or log into the official app.
- Gather documents: Ensure you have your ID and proof of address ready.
- Visit a transaction point: Avoid weekends to reduce wait times.
- Test services post-verification: Confirm calls, SMS, and mobile banking work as expected.
The MIC will publish an official progress report on July 15 detailing verification rates and any adjustments to the policy. For urgent assistance, users can contact the MIC hotline at 1800 6811 or their carrier’s customer service.
This policy marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, aligning with global trends toward biometric authentication. As Dr. Nguyen The Anh, a cybersecurity expert at the Vietnam National University, noted in a recent interview, “This is not just about compliance—it’s about building trust in Vietnam’s digital economy for the long term.”
For readers affected by this change, we encourage sharing your experiences in the comments below. Have you encountered any challenges during verification? Did your bank require additional steps for unverified SIMs? Your insights can help others navigate this transition smoothly.
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