In a groundbreaking move for Vietnam’s telecommunications industry, Nokia has forged a significant agreement with Viettel Group, a state-owned Vietnamese telecom operator, to deploy 5G infrastructure across 22 provinces in the country. This ambitious project aims to modernize Viettel’s existing 4G network by incorporating Nokia’s cutting-edge 5G AirScale portfolio, which includes advanced baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and remote radio heads. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it marks Vietnam’s first 5G network to utilize locally manufactured equipment, thereby promoting technological autonomy and strengthening the nation’s self-reliance.
Technological Milestone for Vietnam
Rolling Out 5G Infrastructure
Nokia’s collaboration with Viettel is poised to lay the foundation for Vietnam’s future competitiveness in the global digital arena. Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, stressed the importance of this partnership, highlighting that it leverages Nokia’s three-decade presence in the Vietnamese market. This long-standing relationship is set to grow even stronger with the latest initiative, scheduled to commence within this year. The rollout is expected to be a game-changer for Vietnam’s telecom landscape, which until now has primarily relied on 4G technology.
By deploying Nokia’s innovative 5G AirScale portfolio, Viettel aims to deliver faster and more reliable internet services to millions of users across the 22 provinces. The advanced network infrastructure will not only enhance user experience but also pave the way for new applications and services that require high-speed connectivity, such as IoT, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles. The state-of-the-art technology from Nokia ensures that Viettel can maintain its leadership position in the Vietnamese market while setting new standards for the industry.
Future Competitiveness
The importance of this project goes beyond merely enhancing broadband speeds; it’s about future-proofing Vietnam’s digital economy. As global competitiveness increasingly hinges on technological prowess, ensuring that Vietnam has a robust 5G network is crucial. For Viettel, this collaboration with Nokia is a strategic move that aligns with its recent technological milestones. In August, Viettel successfully tested a 5G Standalone (SA) network, becoming the first domestic operator to receive a 5G frequency license from the Ministry of Information and Communications. This progress sets the stage for Viettel’s commercial deployment, expected to commence within this year as well.
Moreover, Viettel is actively collaborating with major smartphone manufacturers to update firmware for devices that support 5G SA. These updates are crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for users, facilitating wider adoption, and achieving faster penetration rates for 5G technology in Vietnam. Viettel’s ability to roll out 5G services effectively will likely spur further innovation and investment in the country’s digital infrastructure, thereby boosting its overall economic growth.
Competitive Landscape
Challenges from Other Operators
As Viettel embarks on this transformative journey, it faces competition from other local operators who are also keen to capitalize on the 5G revolution. Both VNPT and MobiFone, two of Viettel’s main competitors, have recently acquired frequencies for the future provision of 5G services. This competitive landscape ensures that the race for 5G dominance in Vietnam will be intense, driving innovation and potentially lowering costs for consumers.
The competitive dynamics in the Vietnamese telecom sector will likely accelerate the deployment and adoption rates of 5G technologies across the country. Healthy competition is expected to benefit consumers by driving improvements in service quality and reducing prices. As Viettel continues to leverage its partnership with Nokia to strengthen its 5G capabilities, it will be intriguing to observe how VNPT and MobiFone respond to these advancements.
Consumer Experience and Technological Advances
In a significant milestone for Vietnam’s telecommunications sector, Nokia has entered into a major agreement with Viettel Group, a state-owned Vietnamese telecom operator, to roll out 5G infrastructure across 22 provinces. This large-scale project seeks to upgrade Viettel’s 4G network by integrating Nokia’s advanced 5G AirScale portfolio. This portfolio includes state-of-the-art baseband solutions, massive MIMO radios, and remote radio heads, aiming to enhance network performance. What makes this initiative particularly revolutionary is that it will be Vietnam’s first 5G network to use locally manufactured equipment. This move not only promotes technological independence but also bolsters the nation’s self-reliance in the telecom sector. The collaboration between Nokia and Viettel is expected to significantly uplift Vietnam’s telecom capabilities, steering the country towards a more connected and modern digital future. This project could also pave the way for further technological advancements and economic growth in the region.