This is the world’s first Open RAN 5G network utilizing Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G RAN platforms which were jointly researched and developed by Viettel and Qualcomm.
Over 300 Open RAN 5G BTSs since 2025
Viettel will have been deploying over 300 BTSs in a number of Vietnamese provinces and cities, starting early 2025, with the potential for international expansion in the following years. This milestone positions Viettel as a leading advocate in the Open RAN community and marks it as one of the largest carriers to launch a commercial Open RAN network.
This is really a new development step in Vietnam.
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An Open RAN 5G base station showcased at the event |
First BTSs in Vietnam have proved their strong performance, showcasing the benefits of Open RAN technology. Key performance indicators, including download and upload speeds, coverage, capacity, and power consumption, are comparable to traditional networks while significantly reducing infrastructure costs. These are important to popularize 5G technology nationwide.
With this 5G Open RAN commercialization, Viettel High Tech completes its end-to-end 5G product suite, covering everything from core networks to RAN elements. This solution addresses both public and private network demands, offering operators a high-quality, Open RAN-compliant 5G network and fostering a sustainable vendor ecosystem.
Noting that more network developers launch Open RAN, Jeanette Whyte, GSMA's Policy Director for Asia Pacific, said that it will be a global trend. She highlighted Open RAN as it enables flexibility and cost reduction. However, she pointed out its barriers, such as reliability, system integration, network quality. Thus countries are working together to remove these obstacles and to promote Open RAN, and legal support from them is needed.
Helping Vietnam go further in national “Make in Vietnam” strategy
Viettel High Tech’s Deputy General Director Nguyen Minh Quang said that achieving technological autonomy and advancing telecommunications infrastructure production is not only a responsibility but also a profound mission to elevate Vietnam within the framework of the national “Make in Vietnam” strategy.
He added that before embarking on this Open RAN project with Qualcomm, Viettel had independently developed and mastered 4G and 5G base station systems, deploying them successfully across its own network. “These foundational steps are testament to Viettel’s commitment to technological independence, establishing a solid base for the nation’s telecommunications sector,” he said.
The Viettel High Tech’s leader said while developing Open RAN 5G BTSs, Viettel High Tech and Qualcomm’s engineers joined hands in designing core-technology, and applied it into products. Some 500 leading engineers engaged in this process. According to Quang, Viettel engineers are responsible for system design, software and hardware development while Qualcomm’s are responsible for 5G chipset items.
He revealed that from 2025, this product will be both domestically and internationally commercialized.
Also at the event, Viettel and Qualcomm signed an agreement on elevating their comprehensive strategic partnership in high-tech on a global scale. This is a milestone marking the success of the cooperation model between the two corporations, moving towards greater goals in the future. Not only 5G cooperation, the two sides also promote cooperation in many other areas such as 6G, AI (artificial intelligence), XR (extended reality).
Translated by Chung Anh