Vietnam is witnessing an unprecedented rapid deployment and commercialization of 5G services by its major telecommunications operators, with Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone leading the charge. These three main players are at the forefront of rolling out 5G infrastructure to meet the growing demands of customers and drive the nation’s economic progress. Their collective efforts encompass strategic initiatives, partnerships with international technology companies, and significant technological advancements, positioning Vietnam as a robust contender in the global 5G landscape.
The Vietnamese government’s insistence on widespread adoption of high-speed internet and advanced digital infrastructure has further propelled these operators’ 5G endeavors. Mandatory commitments include deploying a minimum of 3,000 base transceiver stations by 2026 and ensuring average internet access speeds of at least 100 Mb/s. In response, network operators have collectively invested VND 12.6 trillion ($525 million) to secure the rights to exploit 5G frequency. This substantial financial commitment underscores the seriousness with which Vietnam is embedding itself in the digital future.
Viettel’s Strategic Partnerships and Technological Advancements
Viettel, a major name in the telecommunications sector, has made significant strides in the 5G landscape through its collaboration with international technology giants Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies. This partnership has been instrumental in developing Viettel’s 5G open radio access network (ORAN), reaching commercial-grade maturity. The ORAN solutions are meticulously designed to establish a sustainable vendor ecosystem and cater to both public and private network demands. This focus on ORAN is a strategic approach to diversify its vendor portfolio and enhance network flexibility.
In October, Viettel launched its commercial 5G services, spanning across all provinces, cities, industrial parks, tourist areas, and critical infrastructure in Vietnam. This extensive rollout underscores Viettel’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive 5G coverage and enhancing connectivity throughout the nation. The operator’s end-to-end 5G product suite includes everything from core networks to RAN elements, positioning Viettel as a leader in the 5G domain. With a robust foundation in place, Viettel is well-poised to leverage 5G technology to drive future growth and innovation.
The progress achieved by Viettel signifies more than just technological advancement; it represents a strategic alignment with global telecommunications trends. Furthermore, Viettel’s ambitious plans for 5G infrastructure highlight its readiness to meet growing market demands and societal needs. By fostering a regional leadership role, Viettel aims to create a positive impact not only on Vietnam’s economic development but also on the collective ASEAN digital ecosystem. The operator’s collaboration with industry leaders such as Ericsson and Qualcomm ensures that its 5G capabilities remain at the cutting edge of global standards.
VNPT’s Robust Digital Infrastructure Initiatives
VNPT, another leading telecom operator in Vietnam, has embarked on a formidable journey to build a robust digital infrastructure, particularly through its partnership with Ericsson to deploy 5G technology. This collaboration aims to solidify VNPT’s presence in major cities with high population density and significant industrial activity. By implementing 5G in these critical areas, VNPT seeks to supercharge network capabilities, providing faster and more reliable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.
Huynh Quang Liem, CEO of VNPT, highlighted the essential role of 5G in propelling Vietnam’s economic development and societal progress. Focusing on urban centers and industrial zones, VNPT’s strategic approach aims to offer high-speed internet access and support the digital transformation of various sectors. This alignment is anticipated to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s digital economy, steering the nation towards a more interconnected and technologically advanced future. The deployment of VNPT’s 5G network is a crucial step towards realizing the potential of 5G technology in modernizing business operations and driving innovation.
The strategic deployment of VNPT’s 5G infrastructure is not just about enhancing connectivity; it’s about laying the foundation for a smarter, more efficient economy. By providing the necessary tools for digital transformation, VNPT is enabling businesses to innovate and thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. This initiative is expected to spur growth across different industries, from manufacturing to services, fostering an environment where technology is deeply integrated into everyday life. VNPT’s commitments reflect a broader vision of harnessing 5G technology to create a sustainable and prosperous digital future for Vietnam.
MobiFone’s 5G Innovation Hub and Collaborative Efforts
MobiFone is actively engaged in pioneering 5G initiatives, as evidenced by its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to establish a 5G Innovation Hub. This cutting-edge hub is designed to serve as a co-creation space featuring a state-of-the-art sandbox network, supporting the development of new use cases in collaboration with both local and international partners. The hub’s potential to enable industries and businesses to explore 5G’s applications and facilitate their digital transformation is immense, positioning MobiFone as a critical player in Vietnam’s 5G journey.
To Manh Cuong, CEO of MobiFone, emphasized the importance of the 5G Innovation Hub in fostering innovation and collaboration. By providing a platform for testing and developing new 5G applications, MobiFone aims to drive the adoption of 5G technology across various sectors. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing businesses and catalyzing the development of smart cities, factories, seaports, and digital content industries in Vietnam. Compounded by collaboration with Ericsson, MobiFone’s strategic initiatives underscore the operator’s commitment to becoming a leader in the 5G domain.
MobiFone’s 5G initiatives illustrate a forward-thinking approach to leveraging advanced connectivity to address the needs of a rapidly evolving market. The 5G Innovation Hub is a testament to MobiFone’s ability to anticipate market trends and adapt swiftly to changes. It provides a unique environment where stakeholders can experiment, innovate, and pioneer solutions that harness the full potential of 5G technology. By driving technological advancement and industry collaboration, MobiFone is poised to make significant contributions to the digital transformation of Vietnam’s economy.
The Strategic Push for 5G Adoption and Economic Impact
The overarching trend among Vietnamese telecom operators is a strategic push to fully capitalize on the myriad opportunities presented by 5G technology. This initiative is driven not only by the need to offset declining revenues from traditional services but also by the growing consumer demand for advanced connectivity solutions. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, the Asia-Pacific region, including Vietnam, is witnessing a significant migration to 5G, fueled by affordable devices, promotional plans, discounts, and substantial data bundles. Enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access have been identified as the leading use cases, underscoring a consensus on consumer appetite for cutting-edge connectivity.
Senior IT expert Hoang Viet Tien highlighted 5G’s transformative potential in modernizing businesses and catalyzing the development of smart cities, factories, seaports, and digital content industries in Vietnam. He noted that now is an opportune moment for network operators to leverage 5G services for increased profitability and future revenue growth. The migration to 5G technology represents a pivotal shift in the telecommunications landscape, offering network operators the chance to diversify their revenue streams and offer enhanced services to consumers.
The emphasis on 5G adoption aligns with Vietnam’s broader economic goals, as it enables the digital transformation necessary to compete in the global market. The introduction of 5G is poised to bring about significant changes in how industries operate, enhancing efficiency and productivity. This strategic focus on 5G technology also plays a critical role in addressing the evolving needs of consumers, who increasingly demand high-speed, reliable, and ubiquitous connectivity. By embracing 5G, Vietnamese telecom operators are not only modernizing their service offerings but are also setting the stage for sustained economic growth.
Government Mandates and Financial Commitments
Vietnam is experiencing a remarkable and swift rollout of 5G services by its key telecommunications providers, with Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone leading the effort. These top companies are spearheading the deployment of 5G infrastructure to satisfy customer demand and boost the nation’s economic growth. Their combined efforts include strategic actions, collaborations with global tech companies, and noteworthy technological advancements, positioning Vietnam as a strong competitor in the global 5G market.
The Vietnamese government’s push for widespread adoption of high-speed internet and advanced digital infrastructure has further accelerated these operators’ 5G initiatives. Requirements include deploying at least 3,000 base transceiver stations by 2026 and guaranteeing average internet speeds of 100 Mb/s or higher. In response, the network operators have together invested VND 12.6 trillion ($525 million) to acquire the rights to utilize 5G frequencies. This significant financial investment highlights Vietnam’s determination to establish itself firmly in the digital future.