Finnish telecom giant Nokia has forged a new commercial agreement with Vietnamese state-owned operator Viettel Group, aiming to deploy 5G infrastructure on a nationwide scale in Vietnam. This ambitious project will cover 22 provinces, marking a significant leap in Viettel’s strategy to enhance its digital transformation efforts.
The deal mandates Nokia to modernize Viettel’s existing 4G network while deploying its comprehensive 5G AirScale portfolio. The equipment list includes next-generation AirScale baseband solutions, Massive MIMO radios, and remote radio heads. Notably, this arrangement represents Vietnam’s inaugural 5G network, leveraging locally manufactured equipment, furthering technological autonomy.
Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, remarked, “Nokia is proud to be Viettel Group’s principal partner in this critical digital transformation project that will lay the foundations for Vietnam’s future competitiveness. Nokia has been a part of Vietnam’s growth over the past three decades, and this initiative of enhancing local technology production continues to strengthen our bond with the country.”
The rollout is set to commence within the current year, with immediate implications for Vietnam’s telecom landscape. For Viettel, this agreement complements its recent technological achievements. In August, the operator successfully tested a 5G Standalone (SA) network, becoming the first domestic operator granted a 5G frequency license by the Ministry of Information and Communications. Viettel hailed this SA test as a “major step” towards expected commercial deployment within this year.
Moreover, Viettel is collaborating with major smartphone manufacturers to update commercial firmware for devices supporting 5G SA, ensuring seamless adaptation for end-users. This proactive measure will likely accelerate 5G adoption rates and enrich the consumer experience.
Additionally, Viettel previously led Vietnam by conducting successful calls on a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) network in 2019. However, it faces competition from other local operators like VNPT and MobiFone, both of which have secured frequencies to launch future 5G services as well.
