Looking ahead, with a pioneering spirit, bold innovation, and fair competition, Viettel is poised to lead Vietnam's technology sector to greater heights.
Milestones of development
On June 1, 1989, Viettel was founded (originally known as the Electronics and Information Equipment Corporation (Sigelco)) with just around 40 employees. In its early years, the company focused on building microwave lines and antenna towers, laying the foundation for Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure. By 1995, it was renamed the Military Electronics and Telecommunications Company, becoming the second enterprise in Vietnam licensed to offer comprehensive telecommunications services, breaking the domestic telecom monopoly.
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Sigelco’s leadership in 1990 (Photo: Viettel Family) |
In 2000, Viettel led the way with the “178 – Savings Code” campaign, offering affordable long-distance calling for the first time. In 2001, it entered the Internet service market. By 2004, Viettel officially joined the mobile market under the brand “Viettel Mobile” (prefix 098).
Only five years after launching mobile services, Viettel secured nearly 40% market share with over 42 million subscribers, spearheading the “telecom popularization” movement that brought services to every corner of the country, including remote, border regions and islands.
Following domestic success, Viettel expanded globally, investing in 10 markets across three continents and securing top market share in seven countries.
Simultaneously, Viettel transformed into a true tech firm by founding its R&D Institute in 2011, building a telecom equipment manufacturing plant, and releasing its first “Made by Viettel” mobile phone in 2012. In the defense sector, it successfully developed core military technologies.
Since 2018, renamed as the Military Industry-Telecoms Group, Viettel entered a new era with the mission: “Pioneering the creation of a digital society.” The group has fostered providing digital services and building e-government, smart cities, fintech, and e-commerce.
In 2019, Viettel was Vietnam’s first enterprise to deploy IoT and successfully conduct 5G calls. From 2020 to 2021, it brought 5G nationwide, ranking among the world's top 50 early 5G adopters. Remarkably, it had independently developed 4G/5G equipment and a “Make in Vietnam” 5G chip, comparable in complexity to Apple’s A7, by late 2023, proving its mastery of advanced technologies.
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Former Standing Deputy Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mai Liem Truc, along with leaders from the Ministry of National Defense, during the trial of Viettel’s VOIP service (Photo: Viettel Family) |
In the defense sector, Viettel has become a pillar in high-tech defense industries, developing over 60 types of military products from communication systems and radar to advanced weaponry, modernizing the military and reinforcing its role as Vietnam's leading defense technology enterprise in the digital era.
Viettel with national mission: For the country, for the people
Since its inception, Viettel has aligned its development with national priorities. Every step forward was driven by the needs of the country and its people. From stringing the first cable lines to remote villages to making mobile services affordable for millions of people, Viettel has prioritized public service, bridging the digital divide and improving lives. Its rise disrupted the market, slashing telecom costs and making communication accessible to all, fulfilling its mission of “telecom for everyone.”
Beyond civilian services, Viettel has embraced the responsibility of securing Vietnam’s technological independence and self-reliance. As a military enterprise, it deeply understands the strategic importance of self-reliance in tech for national security.
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Photo of Viettel’s of 5G DFE chip (Photo: Viettel Family) |
Viettel has ventured into the most complex fields, network equipment, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and high-tech defense. Today, it has built a complete ecosystem of advanced tech products, from telecom infrastructure (4G/5G stations, undersea cables) to cutting-edge military equipment (surveillance radar, electronic warfare systems, UAVs). This marks Vietnam’s progress in mastering core technologies and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
In emerging digital domains like AI and big data, Viettel is also leading the way. The company has established AI centers and partnered with top global players to create homegrown “Make in Vietnam” AI solutions. Its participation in high-tech fields is not merely for business, it’s a testament to Vietnamese intelligence, contributing to national resilience and prosperity in the 4.0 era.
Igniting the spirit of innovation and service
The spirit of “dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility” runs through Viettel’s corporate culture. Every achievement has come from creativity and determination. The tougher the challenge is, the more united and proactive Viettel people become. This spirit, rooted in the traditions of the Uncle Ho’s soldiers, has been nurtured through generations.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visiting Viettel’s high-tech product exhibition in 2024 (Photo: VGP) |
Today, as Viettel continues to grow, this spirit must be even more widespread. Every young employee must be inspired with passion and a desire to contribute. Engineers and specialists must stay curious and committed to mastering new technologies. Leaders and party members must take the lead in reshaping thinking and inspiring a deep sense of national service in their teams.
Innovation at Viettel isn’t just in its products and services. It’s in how it operates and serves. Every Viettel employee, regardless of role, is encouraged to ask: “What more can I do for our customers, our community, and our nation?” This customer-first, nation-first ethos has defined Viettel for 36 years—and will continue to guide its path forward.
Viettel in the vision of national strategies
Viettel’s journey has always aligned with major national directions in science, technology, and defense. Today, it is actively implementing key national strategies, such as: Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as drivers for modernization and socio-economic development; Resolution 59 on international integration in the new context, enhancing national competitiveness and deeper participation in global value chains.
By internalizing and aligning with these major strategies, Viettel shows that it does not “walk alone” but moves in harmony with the country's vision. Every product and service it creates aims to solve national-level challenges, from defense to digital economy development. It understands that when a business aligns its goals with the country’s goals, it gains unmatched motivation and direction for sustainable growth.
Viettel the breath of the nation, military, technology, and Vietnamese people
Though 36 years is a relatively short time in the life of an organization, Viettel’s journey reflects the spirit and aspiration to rise up of modern Vietnam.
From soldier-engineers setting up antennas in the forests to young engineers coding AI today, they all share one mission: To serve the nation and people through intelligence and technology.
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Viettel’s high-tech defense industry products on display at the Vietnam Defense Expo 2024 (Photo: Viettel Family) |
Viettel is the embodiment of Vietnamese resilience, aspiration, intellect, and the spirit of the nation and military. Its cutting-edge products, born from creativity and the courage to lead, are like the breath of the nation, military, and Vietnamese people.
That breath is the very foundation, the modern technological infrastructure and advanced products, that empowers the nation to stand on its own and strive toward the aspiration of “standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s great powers.” It is embodied in cutting-edge military science and technology, built upon the discipline of a revolutionary military and the unwavering belief that “nothing is impossible” held by peace-time soldiers who dare to take on new challenges.
And that breath has become a symbol and a driving force for the young generation to confidently move forward in the country’s journey of deep regional and global integration.
The path ahead will surely be challenging, but with 36 years of achievements and a united team driven by a shared purpose, Viettel has every confidence to write even more extraordinary chapters. It will reach new global heights, contributing to the realization of Vietnam’s aspiration to become a prosperous nation, helping the nation move forward with confidence in the new era.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Linh, Viettel’s Deputy Political Chief
Translated by Tran Hoai