The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has officially announced the termination of Thailand type approval and importation for telecommunications equipment and devices that supporting 2G and 3G technologies only in Thailand. This policy has been officially announced on 1 June 2025 and take into effect on 30 June 2025.
In this article we will discuss all important notes from the NBTC announcement of termination Thailand type approval and import for telecommunications equipment and devices with 2G and 3G features in Thailand.
Key notes of termination Thailand type approval for 2G and 3G equipment
With the current 4G and 5G mobile phone technologies, they are more efficient than 2G and 3G mobile phone technologies in many aspects, such as maximum data transmission rates, system latency, device connection density, and coverage across most of Thailand. To ensure efficient use of radio frequencies in Thailand, according to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) meeting No. 13/2025, NBTC Office has approved the following actions regarding telecommunications equipment and devices that use 2G and 3G technologies only:
- Inspection and certification of telecommunication equipment and devices specifically used for 2G and 3G technologies will be carried out until 30 June 2025.
- Permission to import telecommunication equipment and devices specifically used for 2G and 3G technologies will be carried out until 30 June 2025.
- Termination of permission to issue self-inspection and certification marks, and termination of applications for issuance of standards inspection and certification marks from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission for telecommunication equipment and devices specifically used for 2G and 3G technologies is effective on 30 June 2025.
Impact of termination Thailand type approval for 2G and 3G equipment
Based on this NBTC announcement, the policy of termination type approval and importation does not apply to telecommunication equipment and devices that support a combination of multiple radio frequency technologies. If a mobile phone supports 4G and 5G technologies, even if it has a 2G and 3G fallback features, its type approval and importation can still be carried out as usual.
Meanwhile, telecommunication equipment and devices with 2G and 3G technologies that have been certified and marketed are still allowed to be used in Thailand. This new policy only applies to telecommunications equipment and devices imported on 30 June 2025 onwards.
The purpose of termination type approval and importation of telecommunications equipment and devices with 2G and 3G technologies is to optimize the use of the radio frequency spectrum in Thailand. Besides, this policy is expected to pave the way for the widespread use of 4G and 5G technologies in Thailand. Furthermore, 4G and 5G technologies are also more efficient than 2G and 3G technologies.
Conclusion
The termination of 2G and 3G cellular technologies marks the commitment of National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to provide a more efficient cellular network in Thailand. This step is expected to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure, particularly for 4G and 5G cellular technologies development in Thailand.
The termination of 2G and 3G cellular technologies policy has made some confusion for manufacturers, importers, and suppliers who have or plan to import their telecommunications equipment and devices into Thailand. Therefore, for further assistance regarding the implementation of this policy, please drop an email to info@narmadi.com if you have any questions about this new policy for Thailand type approval.
