To respond to the severe weather, Viettel activated a large-scale communications assurance plan across the region. Nearly 6,000 mobile generators were deployed in Khanh Hoa, Gia Lai, Dak Lak to power base stations during widespread outages, while more than 1,900 backup batteries were supplied to extend network operation. The area was also reinforced with 17 satellite phones, 48 handheld radios, and nine mobile broadcasting vehicles to secure uninterrupted communication in emergencies.
    |
 |
|
Viettel’s warehouse heavily flooded |
In Khanh Hoa, Viettel deployed four transport drones to deliver supplies when roads were cut off and used flycam systems to support search-and-rescue efforts. Roaming capabilities between mobile operators were expanded, helping residents stay connected even when parts of the network were disrupted by extreme weather.
Colonel Huynh Ngoc Thuong, Director of Viettel Khanh Hoa, said days of unrelenting rain had caused rapid flooding and isolated many areas. Ensuring communications for citizens and the disaster-response command system became the unit’s top priority. Despite harsh conditions, Viettel personnel remained at their posts, determined to keep the network running.
The unit maintained emergency readiness around the clock, reinforcing equipment in high-risk areas and stationing staff at key sites to handle any incident. Working closely with local authorities, Viettel ensured smooth communications throughout the flood response. Thanks to these efforts, the network in Khanh Hoa remained stable even during the most difficult periods.
In Gia Lai and Dak Lak, which had just recovered from Typhoon No.13, rising water quickly cut off numerous locations, making many BTSs inaccessible. Lieutenant Colonel Phung Van Man, Director of Viettel Gia Lai, led teams who braved the floods, clearing paths, supplying fuel, welding and reconnecting cables through the night to maintain service for authorities and residents.
|
|
 |
|
Viettel Khanh Hoa’s leadership remained on standby around the clock. |
In Dak Lak, Colonel Pham Viet Hung, Director of Viettel Dak Lak directed on-site operations as power outages, rising water, and damaged roads hampered communication access. Teams used high-clearance vehicles and boats to transport fuel and generators to isolated stations, ensuring critical connectivity for the community.
By the afternoon of November 22, communications networks in the three provinces had nearly been fully restored. Only a few stations remained unreachable due to terrain. Technicians continued to maintain full readiness with equipment and supplies prepared for immediate deployment. All Viettel service stores in flood-hit provinces were also designated as free battery-charging points for residents.
Teams transporting communications equipment also carried essential goods to isolated communities. Technical staff were ready to lend their vehicles for rescue when needed.
|
|
 |
|
Viettel personnel stayed resilient at their posts to keep communications uninterrupted. |
On the night of November 19, while battling severe flooding, Viettel Khanh Hoa received an emergency rescue request. Without hesitation, its employees, namely Pham Van Hung, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, and Hoang Duc Hieu, used the unit’s small boat to reach two stranded children and bring them to safety.
Alongside communications restoration, Viettel deployed drones to deliver relief supplies, provided satellite phones to areas without connectivity, and used flycams to support search teams. Five transport drones were used to deliver aid to residents in Bac Nha Trang, Tay Nha Trang, Dien Dien, and Bac Ai Tay, areas unreachable by canoe or motorboat. To date, Viettel drones have completed 300 flights, delivering nearly 3 tons of food and essential goods.
|
|
 |
|
Viettel operates drones to deliver relief supplies to residents in Dien Dien commune. |
As of November 22, Viettel Telecom issued emergency support policies for customers in affected provinces. Subscribers in isolated areas received VND 20,000 credit for calls, messages, and internet access, with total support exceeding VND 10 billion. Additional benefits included a 50% bonus on top-ups and 50% extra data when purchasing data packages. Viettel Telecom said support measures would continue to be reviewed and expanded to meet urgent needs.
Translated by Tran Hoai