Is Viettel’s Qualcomm 5G Open RAN Deployment a Game-Changer for Vietnam?

The recent deployment of Qualcomm 5G Open RAN platforms by Viettel in Vietnam marks a significant milestone in the global 5G landscape. This collaboration between the state-run carrier and Qualcomm is set to revolutionize the telecommunications industry in cost-sensitive regions, particularly in developing countries like Vietnam. Leveraging Viettel’s unique position as both an operator and a vendor, the deployment aims to provide an affordable and scalable solution, making advanced 5G technology accessible to a broader population. The collaboration promises to deliver substantial advantages, with Viettel’s dual role enabling streamlined operations and reduced costs, crucial for making 5G deployment both accessible and economical.

Viettel’s Unique Position as Operator and Vendor

Viettel stands out in the telecommunications industry due to its dual role as both an operator and a vendor. Unlike traditional cellular operators, Viettel not only provides telecommunications services but also designs and manufactures its own 5G equipment. This vertical integration is particularly advantageous in cost-sensitive markets where affordability is crucial for deployment. The ability to control both the service provision and the equipment manufacturing makes it possible for Viettel to streamline operations and reduce costs, thereby making 5G deployment more accessible and economical in Vietnam and other developing countries where Viettel operates.

Besides the economic benefits, Viettel’s vertical integration enables greater flexibility and innovation in developing and deploying 5G technologies. This integrated approach allows the company to adapt swiftly to technological advancements and market needs. As Viettel is both a service provider and an equipment manufacturer, it can customize its network infrastructure to meet specific challenges and opportunities within various markets. For consumers, this translates to more affordable and efficient telecommunications services, driven by a company capable of end-to-end 5G solutions. Such an innovative model holds the potential to alter the dynamics of the telecommunications sector in regions where cost and resource constraints are significant barriers.

The Qualcomm-Viettel Collaboration

The partnership between Viettel and Qualcomm has been years in the making, with public disclosure starting in 2022. The collaboration involves the use of Qualcomm’s QRU100 RU and X100 DU platforms, along with Edgewise’s multi-vendor Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) solution. This month marks the announcement of their first large-scale commercial network deployment, with an initial 300 sites, including the capital Hanoi, projected to commence in early 2025. Such a large-scale deployment promises to lay the groundwork for an expansive network that will eventually cover thousands of sites across the country, significantly enhancing Vietnam’s telecommunications capabilities.

By 2023, the companies showcased their joint development of 5G Radio Units and Distribution Units at the Mobile World Congress show. This collaboration underscores the technological advancements made by Viettel, particularly the development of a state-of-the-art 32T32R massive MIMO RUs based on Qualcomm’s QRU100 5G RAN platform and DUs powered by the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card. These advanced technologies are set to deliver improved network speed, capacity, and reliability, which are necessary to support the growing demand for high-quality mobile services and the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. It is emblematic of how strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology can converge to drive substantial progress in the telecommunications industry.

Technological Advancements and Open RAN Specifications

The deployment of Qualcomm’s 5G Open RAN platforms by Viettel adheres to the O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) Alliance specifications. This adherence ensures compatibility with other vendors’ equipment, although the initial deployment is predominantly single-vendor. The commitment to O-RAN specifications is crucial for fostering a competitive and interoperable ecosystem in the telecommunications industry. By adhering to these standards, Viettel ensures that its network infrastructure can integrate seamlessly with a range of equipment from different vendors, promoting competition and driving down costs. This approach is pivotal in creating a sustainable and inclusive 5G network that can evolve with technological advancements and market demands.

A significant debate surrounds the architecture for Open RAN DU, specifically focusing on the Layer-1 protocol or High-Phy, which involves latency-sensitive functions. Qualcomm advocates for offloading these functions to a dedicated, purpose-built in-line accelerator card, which is asserted to be more cost- and power-efficient. Viettel’s selection of Qualcomm’s solution underscores their preference for this architecture. This decision points to a strategic emphasis on efficiency and performance, critical factors in developing a robust and reliable 5G network. The deployment not only highlights the technological strides made by both entities but also sets a benchmark for future Open RAN implementations across the globe.

The Role of Edgewise Management Platform

Viettel’s adoption of Qualcomm’s Edgewise management platform is another key aspect of this deployment. Given its multi-vendor support capabilities, Edgewise is anticipated to integrate into Viettel’s overall network infrastructure, extending beyond Qualcomm-specific deployments. This integration is expected to enhance the efficiency and scalability of Viettel’s 5G network. The Edgewise platform’s ability to support multiple vendors is particularly important in the context of Open RAN, where interoperability and flexibility are key advantages. This capability allows Viettel to leverage a diverse range of equipment and solutions, further driving down costs and improving network performance.

The adaptability of the Edgewise management platform aligns seamlessly with Viettel’s strategy to deploy a comprehensive and flexible 5G infrastructure. It ensures that Viettel can operate a highly efficient and scalable network that can adapt to evolving technological requirements and market needs. As telecommunications demand continues to grow and diversify, having a robust management platform that can support multi-vendor environments will be crucial for maintaining network performance and reliability. This strategic adoption underscores Viettel’s forward-looking approach and readiness to tackle the complexities of large-scale 5G network deployment in various regions.

Future Prospects and Global Implications

The recent rollout of Qualcomm 5G Open RAN platforms by Viettel in Vietnam represents a significant milestone in the global 5G sector. This collaboration between the state-controlled carrier and Qualcomm is poised to transform the telecommunications landscape, especially in budget-sensitive areas, with developing nations like Vietnam benefiting greatly. By leveraging Viettel’s unique position as both a network operator and a vendor, the initiative seeks to offer an affordable and scalable solution, thus making advanced 5G technology more accessible to a wider audience. This joint effort brings several substantial benefits, with Viettel’s dual role contributing to streamlined operations and cost reductions. These advantages are critical for ensuring that the deployment of 5G technology is both accessible and economical. This move is expected to have a profound impact by democratizing access to cutting-edge 5G capabilities in regions where affordability is crucial, laying the groundwork for broader digital inclusivity and technological advancement across these communities.

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