(illustrative photo: vinaphone)

Viettel signed a cooperation agreement with the US Supermicro company to develop technology and global solutions in 5G technology and artificial intelligence, and plans to roll out 5G service in 63 provinces and cities this month.

VinaPhone/VNPT is piloting free 5G service in several localities from October 13 until November 15. Its commercial 5G service will begin in mid-November or early December. Installation of over 3,000 transmission stations will be completed by the end of this year to ensure strong, stable, continuous coverage nationwide.

Mobifone, another big telecoms service provider, will share the 5G network infrastructure with other network operators. Earlier this month Mobifone signed a 5G development MoU with Ericsson. Mobifone customers can expect fast, stable 5G service next month.

The 5G network will provide superfast data speeds, a large number of simultaneous connections, and almost zero connection delay. Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association, said: “Network operators provide a basic connection infrastructure. But with the 5G network, they will have the opportunity to provide value-added services. The real advantages of 5G are digital platform services. Network operators will focus on IoT services and digital content services.”

Vietnam became one of the first countries to pilot 5G services in 2020. Since then all three major network operators – Viettel, VinaPhone/VNPT, and Mobifone – have tested 5G in 55 provinces and cities. This March Viettel and VNPT acquired auctioned 5G frequencies, and Mobifone followed in July. According to regulations, licensees must deploy the service within 12 months of licensing and after two years must have at least 3,000 5G stations.

According to Vietnam’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy to 2025 and vision to 2030, 99% of the population will have access to the 5G network by 2030.