Vietnam is gearing up for a significant re-auction of valuable low-band spectrum in the 700 MHz range, an essential chunk of spectrum that is crucial for extending coverage and improving signal quality for 4G and 5G networks. The re-auction focuses on two frequency bands, B1-B1′ (703–713 MHz/758–768 MHz) and B3-B3′ (723–733 MHz/778–788 MHz). These spectrum blocks are pivotal for bridging service gaps, especially in remote and underserved regions.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has clearly outlined the minimum starting bid at VND 1.95 trillion, approximately $75 million per block. The auction promises a 15-year license to successful bidders, presenting a long-term opportunity for infrastructure development. An interesting twist is the exclusion of Viettel Group from this round of bidding, having previously won adjacent spectrum at a May auction this year.
700 MHz is highly prized globally due to its long-range and strong penetration capabilities. After the country’s shift to digital TV broadcasting, the spectrum previously reserved for analog TV has been reassigned, now poised to bolster the mobile telecommunications network.
The journey to this re-auction has not been without hurdles. A previous auction in December 2024 saw limited engagement from local operators. However, the subsequent successful bid for adjacent blocks by Viettel has demonstrated growing interest in this spectrum.
Viettel’s recent spectrum acquisition has positioned it to expand connections across Vietnam, targeting 99% population coverage by 2030. It anticipates deploying over 20,000 5G base stations in 2025 alone. Viettel has reported a significant subscriber base for its 5G services, boasting around 4 million users since its launch in October 2024, amounting to 70% of 5G-capable devices in its coverage area.
The impetus behind these ambitious milestones also feeds into the national strategy to harness connectivity for advancements in IoT. This includes urban smart solutions, precision agriculture, and intelligent transportation development.
