VietNamNet Bridge - After a trial run, Vietnamese network operators are ready for 4G, a necessary step for Vietnam to advance toward 5G and prepare for the Internet of Things (IoT).

VietNamNet Bridge - Contrary to mobile network operators’ commitments, the speed of 4G services provided on a trial basis has been slow, while service fees are high, disappointing the first 4G simcard owners in Hanoi.

The MobiFone Telecommunications Corporation (MobiFone), the second-largest mobile operator in terms of subscribers, has started piloting its 4G and MobiTV services July 1.

VietNamNet Bridge - Mobile network operators have recently offered preferences to 3G subscribers, while moving ahead with plans to deploy 4G.

Once Vietnam finishes implementation of the TV digitalization program, the 700 Mhz waveband will be free for broadband services. The frequency band, with optimal advantages in signal transmission, will allow 4G services at low costs to rural areas.

VietNamNet Bridge - Users have been told not to be too eager for 4G because it may be not as wonderful as they imagine. 

The year 2016 is expected to be the ‘year of 4G’ as telecom groups hope they will receive official operation licenses for providing 4G. Mobile phone manufacturers plan to begin marketing models with 4G support. 

VietNamNet Bridge - VinaPhone subscribers on the islands of Phu Quoc and in HCM City can now use 4G services and pay charges for 3G services.

 Viet Nam needs a road map for full termination of second generation network (2G) services and adopting 4G as around 65 per cent of Vietnamese are still using 2G.

VietNamNet Bridge - 4G, on which the society puts high expectations, is believed to cause some changes in people's lives. However, scientists say 4G is still far from being able to replace fixed internet services.

VietNamNet Bridge - The military telecom group Viettel has provided 4G on a trial basis in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province; VinaPhone has announced a 4G trial on Phu Quoc Island and FPT has unexpectedly said it will try 4G.

VietNamNet Bridge - The 4G standard Viettel now applies in its trial run is LTE-A, with download speed of 300 Mbps, which is applied in many developed countries.

 Telecom company Viettel has begun trialling 4G wireless services in the southeastern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

VietNamNet Bridge - While the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) still questions the timing for licensing 4G services, analysts and businesses and their partners all believe now is the right time to start 4G.

VietNamNet Bridge - Only Viettel, MobiFone and VNPT have asked for permission to provide 4G services on a trial basis. Meanwhile, the other big players – FPT, CMC and VTC – have remained silent.

VietNamNet Bridge - Mobile network operators have said that the tardy application of 4G technology in Vietnam was the result of poor policy by the government.

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnamese mobile network operators have acknowledged that the mobile internet speed in too low, blaming this on the late deployment of 4G technology.

VietNamNet Bridge - Just one day after the military telecom group Viettel announced a plan to provide 4G services, VinaPhone said its 4G services would be available in the market in October or November.

VinaPhone has launched a big sale promotion campaign, while Viettel plans to provide 4G services soon. All players have geared up for the competition in the new development stage, with Viettel considered the dominant enterprise.

VietNamNet Bridge - Experts believe that it is time for mobile network operators to open the 4G playing field. Viettel has announced it will begin providing 4G services soon.