Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology has published National Technical Regulation QCVN 136:2025/BKHCN on wireless access devices in the 6 GHz band. The regulation takes effect on 1 January 2027 and fully replaces QCVN 47:2015/BTTTT issued by the former Ministry of Information and Communications.

Overview

The technical regulation establishes a unified set of technical requirements and test methods for wireless access systems (WAS/RLAN, excluding narrowband devices) operating in the 5945-6425 MHz band, in order to promote efficient sharing and use of spectrum.

Main technical requirements

1. Device categories and management. The regulation applies to low power indoor (LPI) and very low power (VLP) devices. LPI devices are restricted to fixed indoor use, while VLP devices may be used indoors and outdoors, in particular for short-range direct outdoor communication.

2. RF output power limits. Maximum EIRP limits are set by device type and band; in 5945-6425 MHz, for example, the limit is 23 dBm for LPI devices and 14 dBm for VLP devices.

3. Power spectral density limits. Mean EIRP power spectral density limits are specified, with additional frequency hopping and duty cycle requirements (not exceeding 1/15) for VLP narrowband devices supporting PSD above 1 dBm/MHz.

4. Transmitter unwanted emissions. Limits and measurement methods are set out in detail for out-of-band and spurious domains and within the 6 GHz band, with a spectrum emission mask introduced.

5. Channel access mechanism (LBT). Devices must use listen-before-talk. The regulation defines frame-based equipment (FBE) and load-based equipment (LBE) and sets detailed parameters and procedures for channel detection, channel occupancy time and contention windows.

6. Receiver performance. Blocking characteristics and adjacent channel selectivity requirements are specified to ensure basic reception performance in interference environments.

7. User access restrictions. Critical parameters, such as channel access thresholds and the antenna integration of LPI access points and bridges, must be locked in hardware or software to prevent end users from modifying them and making the device non-compliant.

The publication of QCVN 136:2025/BKHCN marks a new stage in Vietnam's management of the important mid-band 6 GHz resource. The rules follow global Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 trends and give a clear technical basis for producing, trading and using 6 GHz wireless access devices in Vietnam, helping to upgrade domestic WLAN technology, release spectrum potential and ensure compatible coexistence between radio services.