The Ministry of Science and Technology has been assigned to speed up 5G commercialization, conduct research on 6G technology, develop telecommunications satellites, and upgrade the national telecom backbone infrastructure, the directive stated. Investments in high-speed fixed broadband infrastructure should also be strengthened, it added.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the Vietnam Innovation Day 2024. |
Previously, the National Assembly issued Resolution 193/2025/QH15, outlining pilot mechanisms and special mechanisms to drive breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. It also introduces financial support for businesses to speed up 5G deployment. Telecom firms that establish at least 20,000 certified 5G base stations between the resolution's effective date and December 31 will receive a 15% subsidy on equipment costs.
Vietnam’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy for 2025, with a vision toward 2030, underscores that “digital infrastructure is the backbone of the economy.” It sets a target that by 2025, all localities, high-tech zones, IT hubs, R&D centers, innovation hubs, industrial parks, railway stations, seaports, and airports will have access to 5G services.
The demand for 5G among individuals and businesses is growing rapidly. According to Nokia’s Director of Mobile Solutions Pham Van Minh, 5G traffic is expected to surpass 4G usage by 2025, serving as a driver of economic growth and creating new business opportunities. He emphasized that 5G is currently the fastest-growing mobile technology and will account for more than half of the world's data traffic by 2025.
“5G has enabled new business models by optimizing networks and introducing advanced services such as Network Slicing and AI. Companies should seize the opportunities presented by this transition. The rollout of 5G is expected to accelerate significantly in the near future,” Minh asserted.
A study by Ericsson estimated that 5G will account for approximately 50% of mobile subscriptions in Vietnam by 2029. Currently, more than 25% of the country's data traffic is transmitted via 5G. This technology is seen as a crucial tool for Vietnam to achieve its goals in the digital economy, with a projected contribution of 20% to GDP by 2025.
Both policy support and increasing consumer demand create favorable conditions for Vietnamese telecom operators to expand 5G infrastructure and achieve large-scale commercialization.
The latest data from network operators showed that Viettel has reached 5.5 million 5G users and is on track to hit 10 million in 2025. The company launched its 5G services on October 15, 2024, covering central areas in all 63 provinces and cities.
By 2025, Viettel plans to expand its network by deploying approximately 20,000 new base stations, raising its 5G infrastructure to 50% of its 4G network. It is also developing a 5G application ecosystem for business-to-business (B2B) services.
Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of the Viettel Group stated that in 2025, it will focus on developing telecom infrastructure to ensure high-speed connectivity for all citizens via 4G and 5G networks. By expanding 5G coverage in urban areas, industrial zones, and factories, digital services will become more accessible. This will enable both domestic and international businesses to tap into Vietnam’s market more effectively, particularly in e-commerce, online education, and smart manufacturing.
Looking ahead, Viettel will continue to research and develop next-generation telecom technologies, including 5G Advanced, to improve speed and expand application capabilities in areas such as industrial automation and augmented reality, as well as participate in the 6G technology research and development working group.
VNPT, which operates Vinaphone, has also expanded 5G coverage to all 63 provinces and cities, despite only launching services on December 20, 2024. The company prioritizes coverage in key economic and social hubs, including administrative centers, industrial parks, seaports, airports, schools, hospitals, and tourist destinations. It plans to triple its 5G coverage area, aiming to reach 99% of the population.
According to Nguyen Anh Dung, Director of Enterprise Customer Division at VNPT, the company is expected to install approximately 20,000 new 5G base stations across the country to enhance network connectivity this year.
Meanwhile, MobiFone is preparing to launch its 5G services nationwide, with plans to cover 100% of all communes and wards. To this end, the company intends to deploy nearly 10,000 additional base stations, expanding coverage and increasing connection speeds.
MobiFone General Director To Manh Cuong noted that the company is not only focusing on high-speed internet but also on smart solutions for businesses and communities. He suggested that telecom providers should share 5G infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate nationwide deployment.
From a supplier perspective, Thieu Phuong Nam, General Director of Qualcomm Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, said that Qualcomm will continue to work with technology ecosystems, mobile ecosystems, including the Government, network operators, and domestic manufacturers to deploy 5G on a large scale.
He went on to say that it aims to support Vietnam in deploying 5G on a large scale, ensuring a high quality 5G network that meets not only speed requirements, but also high connectivity for applications in smart cities and smart factories.
Globally, commercial 5G deployment began five years ago, with China and the U.S. leading the way. Many countries are still in the trial phase.
For general consumers, the biggest advantage of 5G is its speed, with peak rates reaching up to 10 Gbps in ideal conditions. In Vietnam, some 5G tests have demonstrated download speeds of 1 Gbps-ten times faster than 4G in the same locations.
Beyond speed, 5G offers ultra-low latency and the capacity to support a vast number of connected devices. This will facilitate applications such as autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled surgeries, and immersive augmented/virtual reality experiences. However, due to the high-frequency bands used for 5G in Vietnam, coverage areas per base station are smaller, requiring telecom providers to deploy more base stations to ensure widespread service.
Source: VNA