What's Happening?
Viettel Networks Corporation, a part of Vietnam's Military Industry and Telecoms Group, has successfully completed the country's first 5G-Advanced network trial. The trial achieved download speeds exceeding
7.3 Gbps, which is approximately six times faster than the current 5G Standalone services in Vietnam. This was accomplished through carrier aggregation technology, which allows devices to connect to multiple frequency bands simultaneously, enhancing speed, stability, and latency. The trial utilized the 2.6 GHz, C-band, and mmWave spectrum bands. Viettel plans to commercially roll out 5G-Advanced in 2026, using the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands already licensed for 5G. The company aims to expand services to support automation, smart manufacturing, and high-tech industries in Vietnam.
Why It's Important?
The successful trial of 5G-Advanced by Viettel marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's telecommunications sector, potentially positioning the country as a leader in advanced mobile technology in Southeast Asia. The enhanced speeds and connectivity could drive innovation in various sectors, including smart manufacturing and IoT applications, such as smart cities and intelligent transportation systems. This development is crucial for managing network congestion during large events and public gatherings, thereby improving user experience. The expansion of 5G-Advanced services is expected to contribute to economic growth by enabling new business models and technological advancements.
What's Next?
Viettel plans to begin the commercial rollout of 5G-Advanced in 2026, focusing on using the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. The company aims to achieve 99% population coverage across Vietnam by 2030, leveraging the wide propagation range of the 700 MHz band for better indoor coverage and cost-effective expansion into rural and remote areas. This strategic move is likely to enhance Viettel's competitive edge in the telecommunications market and support Vietnam's digital transformation goals.
