Vietnam’s state-owned telecom giant Viettel has secured a crucial 700 MHz spectrum block, valued at $75.2 million, after previous auction attempts failed. This acquisition will propel Viettel’s mission to attain 99% population coverage in Vietnam by 2030, enhancing both 4G and 5G connectivity.
This spectrum, previously designated for analog TV, is now set to bolster wireless services. Viettel will focus on diverse IoT applications, spanning smart cities and precision agriculture, to logistics.
The advantages of the 700 MHz band are noteworthy. Viettel outlines its remarkable range and improved indoor coverage for urban areas. Moreover, extending reach in rural and mountainous locales is now feasible, opening avenues for growth and connectivity.
Competition in Vietnam’s 5G arena is heating up. Since the introduction of Viettel’s commercial 5G service—covering all 63 provinces—users have noted speeds up to 1 Gbps. Utilizing both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures, Viettel illustrates a commitment to superior service delivery.
Viettel’s network, with 6,500 base stations achieving 70% of 5G-enabled device penetration, continues to evolve. Plans for over 20,000 new base stations in 2025 underscore this growth trajectory.
A critical element in Viettel’s strategy lies in their 5G laboratories in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These labs allow for testing new technologies, ensuring minimal signal interference and correcting protocol mismatches—key for IoT innovations.
