NBTC Asks AIS, True to Submit Clear 2G/3G Shutdown Plans by Q3 2026 to Combat Fraud and Reallocate Spectrum
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has directed AIS and True Corporation to submit concrete, detailed plans to wind down Thailand’s 2G and 3G mobile networks, with the objective of fully terminating these legacy systems by the third quarter of 2026. This move is part of a broader regulatory push to modernize the country’s telecommunications landscape while addressing specific risks tied to older technologies. The regulator’s intent is to ensure a smooth transition for users and services that still rely on 2G and 3G, while limiting opportunities for fraud that exploit vulnerabilities in these generations. By asking the two major operators to present clear migration and shutdown strategies, the NBTC signals a structured, government-led approach to spectrum reallocation and network modernization, anchored in public safety and consumer protection considerations. The plan comes at a time when authorities are intensifying efforts to halt the import of 2G and 3G devices and related transmission equipment, a step designed to curb market availability of obsolete infrastructure and encourage earlier adoption of newer technologies. In short, the NBTC’s directive sets the stage for a phased retirement of legacy networks with an emphasis on orderly migration, risk mitigation, and transparent governance.
NBTC’s mandate to AIS and True: the path to a structured wind-down
Under the NBTC directive, AIS and True Corporation are each tasked with delivering comprehensive, actionable wind-down plans for their 2G and 3G networks. These plans must outline practical timelines, customer migration paths, and the steps required to ensure continuity of essential services for users who still depend on older technology. The regulator’s goal is not merely to discontinue services at a fixed date, but to coordinate a deliberate transition that minimizes disruption for consumers and businesses while maximizing the efficient use of radio spectrum. The third-quarter 2026 deadline provides a clear milestone for stakeholders, creating a schedule that aligns with the broader push toward higher-speed networks and more secure, modern communication platforms. NBTC’s approach reflects a careful balance between advancing technological capabilities and safeguarding users who rely on legacy networks for critical functions. In issuing this mandate, the board underscores the importance of customer protection measures, ensuring that migration does not leave vulnerable groups underserved or exposed to new risks. The regulator will scrutinize the operators’ plans for feasibility, affordability, and accessibility, particularly for users who rely on 2G/3G for essential services or who have limited access to newer devices.
The operators are expected to address several core components within their wind-down plans. Foremost, they must articulate how customers will be migrated to newer networks without service gaps or data loss, including timelines for device compatibility, SIM migration, and service continuity. They should also provide projected customer impact assessments, detailing how the shutdown will affect different user segments, including those with limited technical literacy or restricted access to upgraded devices. The plans should cover end-user protections, such as reliability guarantees, transitional support, fee structures during migration, and clear communications to minimize confusion. Importantly, the NBTC aims to ensure that the wind-down does not merely relocate risk from 2G/3G vulnerabilities to other parts of the ecosystem; instead, it should reduce the overall exposure to fraud and misuse associated with legacy networks. The board’s expectation is that the operators’ plans will be robust, verifiable, and subject to regulatory review, with a clear path to the regulator’s own shutdown framework that will be built on these proposals.
Additionally, the NBTC’s plan aligns with a broader sectoral strategy to manage the 2G and 3G spectrum bands. The regulator recognizes that part of the wind-down involves freeing up spectrum to be reallocated to services that deliver greater value, efficiency, and resilience for users in the future. The anticipated spectrum reallocation must be designed to support ongoing mobile connectivity, emergency communications, machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, and other digitally enabled services that rely on stable and secure radio access. In this context, the NBTC’s directive to AIS and True becomes a pivotal step in a comprehensive modernization program that seeks to harmonize regulatory oversight with market-driven innovation. The process will likely involve coordination with other regulatory and government bodies to ensure consistency with national digital strategies, cybersecurity initiatives, and consumer protection frameworks. By requiring decisive, well-structured wind-down plans, the NBTC is setting expectations for a transparent, methodical approach to eliminating 2G and 3G while preserving essential connectivity for people and enterprises.
Tackling online fraud: why ending 2G and 3G matters for security
A central justification for retiring the 2G and 3G networks is the need to reduce a specific vector for online fraud that has taken advantage of legacy technologies. Fraud schemes have, in recent years, exploited false cellular base stations—rogue devices mimicking legitimate cellular infrastructure—to broadcast fraudulent text messages to unsuspecting mobile users. These base stations are designed to exploit vulnerabilities inherent in older network generations, enabling criminals to deceive recipients and pressure them into revealing sensitive information or engaging with malicious schemes. By curtailing the operational lifespan of 2G and 3G networks, regulators aim to shrink the opportunities criminals have to deploy such fraudulent base stations and to modernize the security posture of the country’s mobile ecosystem. The NBTC views the sunset strategy as a pragmatic, technology-led approach to reducing cybercrime that relies on outdated infrastructure.
Trairat Viriyasirikul, who serves as acting secretary-general of the NBTC, has highlighted that the shutdown of these legacy networks also follows the board’s earlier resolution to cease the import of 2G and 3G devices and related transmission equipment. This policy move reduces the availability of obsolete hardware that could be repurposed or trafficked for fraudulent use, thereby supporting more secure network environments. The regulator has underscored that there are fewer than 3 million SIM cards in Thailand still operating on the 2G and 3G networks, a relatively small base in comparison to the total market but one that nonetheless sustains activities in key sectors. Among the notable uses of 2G/3G, device-to-device communication remains important for certain applications, including tracking systems and the operation of ATMs. These applications illustrate that while the majority of consumer traffic has migrated to newer technologies, certain critical services continue to depend on legacy networks for specialized functions.
The 2G and 3G sunset is presented not as a blanket shutdown but as a controlled transition designed to prevent gaps in critical operations while reducing exposure to fraud schemes. The NBTC acknowledges that these legacy networks have been in operation for many years and that more advanced mobile technologies have become increasingly prevalent. The shift aims to balance the need for modernization with the reality that some devices and systems still rely on 2G and 3G capabilities for essential tasks. The regulator’s assessment notes that many countries around the world have already completed or advanced their own 2G/3G sunset processes, reinforcing the global trend toward newer standards and more robust security architectures. In addition to immediate fraud risk reduction, the 2G/3G shutdown is expected to pave the way for more efficient use of spectrum and for the deployment of services that require higher throughput and stronger security practices.
However, industry observers emphasize that the sunset cannot happen in a vacuum. Shutting down 2G and 3G must be accompanied by targeted consumer protections and transition support to address potential disruptions. A comprehensive plan should include clear migration pathways, educational outreach, and assistance for customers who may struggle with upgrading devices or adjusting to new networks. The broader objective is to minimize negative outcomes while achieving the security and performance benefits associated with a modernized network environment. The discussion around this transition also acknowledges the need to preserve services that rely on legacy spectrums for the time being, ensuring that essential operations—such as those used by ATMs or certain monitoring devices—continue to function while users gradually move to more secure technologies. In this context, the NBTC’s pursuit of a security-forward sunset underscores a clear link between regulatory action, anti-fraud measures, and the ongoing evolution of the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Regulatory steps: stopping the import of 2G/3G devices and the ongoing user base
The NBTC’s broader strategy includes a formal stance to stop the import of 2G and 3G devices and related transmission equipment. This policy intends to reduce the market availability of outdated hardware that could sustain or enable the operation of fragile or vulnerable networks. By constraining the supply of legacy devices, regulators aim to incentivize operators and consumers to transition more rapidly toward modern technologies that offer enhanced performance and improved security features. The count of active 2G/3G SIM cards—reportedly fewer than 3 million—helps frame the scale of the remaining ecosystem that must be managed during the transition. While a minority in volume, this user segment represents a non-negligible portion of the market that includes device-to-device communications, security-sensitive applications, and financial services interfaces that still rely on legacy networks.
In recognizing the continued presence of 2G/3G usage, regulators are mindful of the critical roles these networks still play for certain services. Device-to-device communications, which are essential in some tracking systems and ATM operations, illustrate that legacy networks still serve functional needs. The NBTC’s plan to stop imports is paired with the expectation that operators will facilitate seamless migration for customers and that the regulator will ensure consumer protections remain robust throughout the transition. The approach reflects a careful calibration: promote modernization while ensuring that indispensable services remain reliable and accessible. The policy also aligns with global practices observed in other jurisdictions where governments have introduced phased eliminations of 2G/3G to free spectrum for more efficient networks and to reduce fraud vectors linked to outdated technology. In this way, the import ban sits at the intersection of spectrum policy, cybersecurity, consumer welfare, and practical network management.
As the market evolves, the NBTC envisions a structured migration pathway rather than an abrupt cessation. Operators are expected to provide concrete migration plans that detail how they will transition users to 4G, 5G, or other newer technologies, with attention to devices, SIM replacement, coverage continuity, and support services. The regulator intends to assess these migration strategies against consumer protection criteria, ensuring that customers are not left with stranded services, unexpected charges, or complicated processes. The emphasis on consumer protection at this stage reflects the NBTC’s broader mandate to safeguard the public as the telecommunications landscape grows more complex and more capable. The regulatory framework thus integrates import controls, network modernization, and consumer safeguards into a cohesive plan designed to deliver secure, reliable communications for all segments of Thai society.
Process, timelines, and public engagement: how shutdown plans will be shaped
Following the submission of wind-down plans by AIS and True, the NBTC intends to formulate its own shutdown strategy based on the operators’ proposals. This collaborative process ensures that the regulator’s plan is informed by practical, on-the-ground considerations from the two largest mobile operators and aligns with real-world implementation capabilities. The NBTC’s approach emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement, including the organization of a public hearing to solicit input and address concerns from consumers, businesses, and other interested parties. The aim is to produce a well-considered, publicly vetted plan that accounts for the diverse needs of users across the country. The public hearing will serve as a platform for clarifying the rationale, timeline, and safeguards associated with the transition, enabling a broad spectrum of voices to weigh in on potential impacts, particularly on vulnerable groups and critical services.
The anticipated sequence envisions the 2G network being shut down first, followed by the 3G network. This staged approach allows time for coordinated migration to newer networks, updates to devices and services, and adjustments to regulatory measures as the transition progresses. The regulator expects that the operators’ plans will incorporate customer migration strategies, provision for service continuity, and a clear timeline for phasing out 2G and 3G while ensuring service reliability for users until the full shutdown is completed. In tuning the plan, NBTC will balance the need to curb fraud associated with rogue base stations against the practical realities of migration for users who still rely on legacy networks. The overall objective is to optimize spectrum utilization, enabling the reallocation of 2G/3G bands for next-generation technologies while preserving essential services during the transition period. In addition to the public hearing, the NBTC will monitor implementation, gather feedback, and adjust policies as needed to address emergent issues and evolving security considerations.
Central to this process is a commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining service continuity during the shutdown. The regulator recognizes that some users will require additional assistance, whether due to limited access to new devices or the need for tailored support for mission-critical applications. Thus, the plan is expected to embed consumer protection measures, including clear communication campaigns, retraining opportunities for users moving to newer networks, and mechanisms to monitor and mitigate unexpected costs or service gaps. By aligning policy, industry practice, and consumer safeguards, the NBTC aims to deliver a coherent, orderly transition that minimizes disruption while maximizing public safety and network resilience. The public hearing and ongoing regulatory oversight are designed to ensure a transparent, evidence-based decision-making process that reflects the concerns and needs of all stakeholders.
Industry perspectives and international context: lessons and viewpoints
Industry voices underscore that the retirement of 2G and 3G is a natural progression as more advanced mobile technologies become ubiquitous and as networks shift toward higher performance capabilities. Suebsak Suebphakdi, secretary-general of the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, notes that discontinuing 2G and 3G services—long in use—aligns with the broader move toward newer, improved forms of mobile technology. He emphasizes that closing these older networks enables the reallocation of the corresponding spectrum to future applications, potentially benefiting users with upgraded services and enhanced performance. This perspective is grounded in the belief that the transition, while carrying short-term disruptions, yields long-term gains in terms of network efficiency and service quality. He also points to the fact that many countries have already completed similar transitions, citing examples from the United States, Singapore, and Australia, which have moved away from 2G and 3G to prioritize more secure and capable technologies. The cross-border trend reinforces the legitimacy of Thailand’s strategy, but it also underscores the need for a robust consumer protection framework and careful management of any transitional challenges.
Beyond national borders, the discussion around 2G/3G sunset is shaped by international experience with spectrum management, regulatory timing, and consumer safeguards. As countries pursue modernization, they encounter analogous issues related to device compatibility, customer migration, and the preservation of critical services during the transition. The international context suggests that sunset plans must incorporate careful risk assessment, clear communication, and stakeholder engagement to minimize consumer disruption and protect sensitive applications that rely on legacy networks. In Thailand’s case, the NBTC’s approach—requiring wind-down plans from AIS and True, a public hearing, and a staged shutdown—mirrors common best practices observed globally, while focusing specifically on the domestic market’s characteristics and user needs. The emphasis on consumer protection is consistent with the broader regulatory emphasis on safeguarding customers during technology transitions, ensuring that migration does not result in financial hardship, service gaps, or security vulnerabilities. The industry’s perspective also reinforces the argument that modern networks provide superior security features, reduced fraud exposure, and improved reliability, contributing to a stronger overall telecommunications environment for citizens and businesses.
In summary, industry experts acknowledge that phasing out 2G and 3G is a pragmatic step toward spectrum optimization and improved security, while requiring deliberate planning to protect consumers and to keep essential services functioning. The Bangkok-based regulator’s plan emphasizes a methodical, transparent process with public engagement, reflecting a sophisticated balance between modernization and customer welfare. The international experience cited by observers supports the broader strategy, while highlighting the importance of tailored national implementation that considers the local landscape, including the presence of legacy devices, the distribution of users across urban and rural areas, and the role of M2M and critical infrastructure applications. The dialogue among regulators, operators, and industry associations continues to shape how Thailand will navigate the sunset, migrate customers, and repurpose spectrum to meet demand for higher-capacity, more secure communication networks. It is within this context that the NBTC’s wind-down mandate to AIS and True takes on practical significance, setting the stage for a carefully managed transition that aspires to deliver lasting benefits for public safety, consumer protection, and digital inclusion.
Addressing ongoing fraud risks and enforcement challenges
Even as the 2G and 3G sunset moves forward, authorities acknowledge that the problem of fraudulent base stations may persist for some time. Bogus base stations—transmitters illicitly imported and deployed to emulate legitimate mobile infrastructure—pose a continuing challenge to public trust and personal security, particularly in the domain of text messages used for social engineering and scams. The necessity of rigorous inspection and enforcement against the importation of illegal transmitters remains a critical component of any long-term anti-fraud strategy. The NBTC and law enforcement agencies may need to implement comprehensive measures to deter, detect, and disrupt the illicit networks that facilitate these crimes. This involves coordinated actions across regulatory, criminal justice, and border-control channels to ensure that offenders are identified, prosecuted, and deterred.
The plan to shut down legacy networks does not eliminate all threats from fraudulent base stations, but it is expected to reduce the scale and frequency of such incidents. The rationale is that by eliminating 2G and 3G frameworks, criminals lose access to base station configurations that specifically exploit vulnerabilities found in older protocols. Nevertheless, experts caution that even after the sunset, there remains a risk that some forms of illicit transmission equipment could persist in the market, necessitating ongoing vigilance and enforcement. Advocates emphasize that the solution is not only reactive—closing down legacy networks—but also proactive, involving strict regulatory controls, robust border enforcement, and targeted investigations to root out illegal transmitters at the source. The emphasis on enforcement signals a recognition that technology transitions alone cannot eliminate crime; continuous, well-resourced action is essential to safeguard the public from sophisticated fraud schemes.
To address these concerns, authorities may develop a multi-faceted enforcement framework that includes inspection protocols for transmitters, enhanced border controls to prevent import of illegal devices, and rapid-response mechanisms to investigate suspicious activity related to bogus base stations. The strategy could combine regulatory penalties, criminal prosecutions, and collaborative intelligence-sharing with industry players to identify trends and disrupt criminal networks. The ultimate aim is to ensure that even in a transitioning telecommunications landscape, the public remains protected from fraudulent practices that exploit gaps in older networks. The combination of regulatory action, law enforcement, and industry collaboration is envisioned as an effective, comprehensive approach to diminishing the threat posed by rogue base stations while the country completes its 2G/3G sunset.
As the transition progresses, ongoing monitoring and feedback will be essential to refining enforcement and consumer protection measures. The NBTC and other authorities may need to adjust policies as new threats emerge or as the migration unfolds, ensuring that the safeguards keep pace with technological evolution. The focus on strict oversight of the import and deployment of transmitters— coupled with robust consumer protection — will be central to maintaining public confidence during this period of change. In this context, the sunset of 2G and 3G is not just a matter of network decommissioning; it is part of a broader, strategic effort to secure communications infrastructures, deter fraud, and promote a safer, more reliable digital ecosystem for all users in Thailand.
Implications for users, migration, and service continuity
For users and businesses, the wind-down of 2G and 3G networks will entail practical considerations around migration to newer technologies. Service continuity, device compatibility, and seamless customer support will be critical elements of a successful transition. Operators will need to communicate clearly about migration timelines, the availability of compatible devices, and any changes to pricing or service terms that may accompany the shift to 4G, 5G, or other advanced networks. The process must also address the needs of users who rely on device-to-device communications or M2M applications that currently depend on legacy networks for critical functions such as asset tracking or payment terminals. Ensuring continuity for these applications will require targeted planning, including potential interim solutions and transitional support to minimize downtime and disruption.
The subset of users still utilizing 2G and 3G SIMs—though small in number—will likely include individuals with older devices, limited means to upgrade, or specific use-cases that require legacy capabilities. For these users, migration support programs, educational resources on new technologies, and hands-on assistance will be essential. Regulators and operators may need to implement transitional safeguards to ensure that migrations do not incur unexpected costs or service interruptions, particularly for those who may be less familiar with technology upgrades. In addition, the public’s understanding of the rationale behind the shutdown will be important for managing expectations and fostering acceptance of the regulatory agenda. Transparent communication strategies will help users anticipate changes, understand their options, and navigate the migration process more efficiently.
From a business perspective, the migration away from 2G and 3G could unlock opportunities for innovation and improved service delivery. Reallocating the spectrum formerly used for these legacy networks can enable networks to deliver higher performance, lower latency, and more secure communication services, benefiting a broad range of applications and industries. The modernization trajectory is likely to spur investments in network infrastructure, device ecosystems, and new services that leverage the capabilities of 4G and 5G networks, including enhanced security features, robust IoT connectivity, and advanced data services. While the transition presents short- to medium-term challenges for stakeholders, the long-term outlook envisions a telecom landscape that is more agile, secure, and capable of meeting evolving user demands. The NBTC’s oversight will remain critical to ensuring that migration is orderly, equitable, and aligned with the public interest, balancing commercial objectives with the imperative to protect consumers and maintain resilient communications infrastructure.
Conclusion
The NBTC’s directive to AIS and True to present concrete wind-down plans for 2G and 3G by the third quarter of 2026 marks a significant step in Thailand’s ongoing transition toward modern, secure, and high-capacity mobile networks. The regulator’s decision to address online fraud by reducing vulnerabilities associated with rogue base stations underscores the broader goal of strengthening national digital security and safeguarding consumers. By also enforcing a policy to halt the import of 2G and 3G devices, the NBTC signals a comprehensive approach that combines spectrum reallocation, modernization, and protection for users who rely on legacy technologies for essential services. The planned wind-down, including public engagement, a staged shutdown (2G first, then 3G), and a robust consumer protection framework, reflects a careful balance between modernization and practical considerations for users and businesses. Industry voices support the move as a natural evolution toward more capable networks, while emphasizing the need for effective migration strategies and safeguards to minimize disruption. Enforcement and continuity considerations remain central to the strategy, ensuring that the fight against fraudulent transmitters persists beyond the immediate sunset. In all, the 2G/3G sunset represents a forward-looking effort to optimize spectrum use, enhance security, and deliver better, more reliable telecommunications for Thai citizens, now and in the years ahead.