SIM verification rules take effect; Viettel and Mobifone urge users to update information to avoid SIM suspension

From 15/4, a new rule on verifying subscriber information for mobile services officially takes effect, prompting Viettel and Mobifone to review and standardize user data. Subscribers who have not verified their information or whose data does not match the National Population Database may face service interruptions, and numbers could be revoked if updates are not completed promptly.

Who may not need re-verification on Mobifone

According to Mobifone’s official fan page, not all users are required to re-verify. Specifically, customers who already have a VNeID account at level 2 and whose phone number matches will not need re-verification, unless personal information changes or the device used for the SIM changes.

For active SIMs, users only need to verify if their data is incomplete or not synchronized with the national system. New SIM purchases require verification during registration.

Viettel’s fully online verification process

Viettel instructs users to verify their SIM information at home via the My Viettel app, using a fully online process. Users log in with the number to be updated, then select the “Xác thực thông tin thuê bao” section.

The system requests photos of the ID card (front and back) and a portrait photo for verification. Users then review all personal information displayed in the system to ensure accuracy. A key step is scanning the chip on the CCCD using an NFC-enabled phone to verify data.

After completion, the system displays an electronic contract for the user to confirm and sign within the app. An OTP code is then sent to the phone number for final confirmation. Once the OTP is entered, the verification is complete and the user receives a success notification.

Regulatory basis and operator responsibilities

The new rules are set out in Circular 08/2026/TT-BKHCN, effective from 15/4. The circular focuses on verifying mobile subscription information and handling cases with inaccurate data. Operators are responsible for auditing all data and applying penalties according to severity, with the highest penalty being termination of the contract.

Five groups at risk of SIM lock or number revocation

There are five groups of subscribers at risk of being locked out of a SIM if they do not verify:

• Device changes: If a user changes devices, the system will require re-verification. If not completed within two hours, the SIM may be locked unidirectionally; after 30 days, it could be locked bidirectionally and the number revoked.
• Old 9-digit ID: Subscribers still registered with a 9-digit ID must upgrade to the new Citizen ID and add biometric facial data within 60 days.
• VNeID confirmation of non-registration or non-use: If users confirm on the VNeID app that they do not register or do not use the number, the network will suspend service after five days of continuous notifications.
• Data mismatch with national records: Subscribers whose data does not match national records will be notified and given 60 days to complete data standardization.
• Foreigners using passports: The regulation also applies to foreigners living in Vietnam who use a passport to register a SIM; they must re-verify within 60 days from the circular’s effective date.

How to check and update information

Users can proactively check their subscription information by texting the code ‘TTTB CCCD’ to 1414 (or ‘TTTB CMND’ if using an old ID). The system will respond with full registration details. If discrepancies are found or the phone number is not owned by the user, the user should update promptly to avoid service disruption.

Users can also check which phone numbers are in their name via the VNeID app and report numbers that do not belong to them for network operators to process.