Vietnam has introduced comprehensive reform of the administrative procedure in the telecommunications sector which include simplified processes for data centers and cloud providers. Signed on 12th June, Decree 133/2025/NĐ-CP will take effect on 1 July, 2025.
The changes, detailed in Annex 1 of the Decree, bring major benefits and regulatory clarity for data center (DC) businesses operating in or entering Vietnam:
1. Provincial-Level Licensing for Faster Local Deployment:
The Decree authorizes provincial People’s Committees to handle licensing and registration for certain telecom services, including fixed-line, data centers, and cloud services. This enables:
– Faster licensing turnaround;
– Streamlined procedures for foreign and domestic investors;
– Decentralized, regionally driven infrastructure development.
2. Simplified Process for DC + Cloud Providers:
Enterprises offering both data center and cloud computing services are no longer required to submit separate filings. A single registration suffices, reducing regulatory overlap and promoting:
– Integrated hybrid infrastructure models;
– Seamless investment in edge and hyperscale DC facilities;
– Administrative efficiency.
3. Fully Digital Procedure Framework:
All applications are processed via the National Public Service Portal or standard postal/onsite options, ensuring:
– Transparency;
– Minimal manual handling;
– Lower operational costs for enterprises.
4. Mandatory Notice & Compliance for Service Suspension or Amendments:
Enterprises must provide advance notice and fulfill formal procedures if they intend to cease services or change license terms. This strengthens:
– Regulatory oversight;
– Customer protection;
– Risk management in service continuity.
5. Policy Alignment with National Digital Strategy:
The Decree operationalizes key goals of Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Resolution 175/NQ-CP on digital infrastructure and National Data Center development. It directly supports:
– Growth of sovereign and commercial DCs;
– Data governance, localization, and secure cross-border operations;
– Vietnam’s positioning as a regional digital hub.
Conclusion
Decree 133/2025/NĐ-CP marks a pivotal step in modernizing telecom governance. For data center businesses, it offers legal certainty, investment facilitation, and streamlined compliance—reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation and infrastructure readiness.
