After a period of commercialisation, with its ability to deliver ultra-high speeds, ultra-low latency, and massive simultaneous connectivity, 5G represents more than just an upgrade in data transmission speed. It provides a platform for new business models and innovative digital solutions, thereby promoting the deeper development of the digital economy.

State and businesses move in tandem

Vietnam’s 5G development strategy is reflected in policies on digital technology and national digital infrastructure. At the same time, telecom enterprises have developed specific roadmaps to achieve download speeds of 100 Mbps by 2025 and nationwide 5G coverage by 2030.

In parallel with telecom enterprises, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW clearly affirms the State’s strong commitment to investing in digital infrastructure, including 5G networks. Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15, adopted by the National Assembly on February 19, 2025, on piloting several special mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation, serves to institutionalise Resolution No. 57. It establishes an exceptional legal framework with a clearly defined pilot scope, special mechanisms, and high flexibility, enabling streamlined procedures, stronger decentralisation of authority, and greater creativity among agencies, organisations, enterprises, and the intellectual community.

For the telecommunications sector, Resolution No. 193 lays the foundation for historic changes in the digital era. Under the policy, the Government will provide support of up to 15% of the total investment value if enterprises deploy at least 20,000 5G base stations in 2025.

On March 1, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Directive No. 05/CT-TTg on solutions to promote economic growth, in which he called for accelerating 5G commercialisation and strongly developing high-speed broadband as new drivers of economic expansion.

Vietnam’s three leading telecommunications operators, Viettel, VNPT and MobiFone, have made the most of their respective strengths to commercialise 5G with different strategies that both capitalise on existing advantages and ensure healthy competition.

Viettel became the first operator to announce the commercialisation of its 5G network on October 15, 2024, aiming to bring 5G coverage to all citizens and expand infrastructure and services across 100% of provinces and cities, as well as industrial parks, research centres, railway stations, seaports, and airports. At the same time, Viettel has moved swiftly to develop a comprehensive ecosystem of 5G services and applications to maximise efficiency and integrate them into socio-economic activities, particularly driving transformation in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, transport, and logistics.

VNPT officially launched its ultra-high-speed, premium-experience VinaPhone 5G service on December 10, 2024. The service prioritises key socio-economic hubs, providing services without requiring customers to subscribe to new service packages.

On June 23, 2025, MobiFone became the third operator in Vietnam to commercialise its 5G network. In the initial phase, MobiFone has focused its 5G services in the central areas of major provinces and cities.

To create favourable conditions for telecom operators to invest in digital infrastructure and pave the way for the development of 5G technology and future applications, the Ministry of Science and Technology organised an auction of the 700 MHz band in 2025. Telecom experts have described this spectrum as “diamond” bandwidth thanks to its strong penetration capability, wide coverage, and cost efficiency in infrastructure deployment.

The advantage of the 700 MHz band lies in its coverage range, which is approximately 2.6 times wider than that of the 1800 MHz band, while reducing the number of base stations required by three to four times. These strength enable operators to expand network coverage at lower cost, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where population density is low. The acquisition of the 700 MHz spectrum provides Viettel and VNPT with an opportunity to narrow the gap with leading regional telecom operators in the 5G race.

Narrowing the development gap through 5G expansion

A report by the Ministry of Science and Technology shows that as of last December, commercial 5G coverage had reached 91.2% of Vietnam’s population.

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Most countries take an average of three years to
achieve 90% population coverage. Even India, with its vast territory, large
population and widely recognised rapid rollout, required around 15 months to
reach a similar benchmark. This achievement places Vietnam among the
fastest 5G deployers globally. Beyond its technical significance, the milestone
has helped establish a relatively even digital infrastructure foundation
nationwide, contributing to narrowing development gaps between regions and
between urban and rural areas.

Nguyen Anh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam
Telecommunications Authority

For Viettel, 5G is identified as a strategic national infrastructure, comparable to previous generations of mobile networks. In addition to consumer services, the group has rolled out private network models for enterprises and factories, while piloting real-time, ultra-low-latency applications. These initiatives are opening new avenues for the commercialisation of 5G in manufacturing and corporate governance.

According to Nguyen Ha Thanh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom, the company installed 23,500 new 5G base transceiver stations (BTS) in 2025 alone. By the end of the year, Viettel had deployed a total of 30,000 5G stations nationwide, achieving 90% outdoor coverage and 70% indoor coverage across both urban and rural areas.

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In 2026, Viettel plans to roll out an additional
15,000 stations, raising indoor coverage to nearly 85%. Currently, new 5G
subscriptions account for around 50% of total new subscribers, while 5G data
traffic has increased by 15–20%.

Nguyen Ha Thanh, Deputy General Director of Viettel Telecom

Beyond its extensive coverage, Viettel’s 5G network is distinguished by its advanced technological foundation. It is the only operator in Vietnam to deploy a fully standalone 5G SA (Standalone) network, in which all core network components and radio access equipment are built entirely on 5G architecture. The system is capable of speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Under real-world conditions, 5G speeds are reported to be 15 to 20 times faster than 4G.

Meanwhile, VNPT accelerated network deployment throughout 2025, targeting 5G coverage of 55–60% of the population in 2026. In parallel with expanding coverage, it is focusing on building core 5G capabilities such as network slicing and Network API, while piloting private network models for universities and smart factories.

MobiFone has also achieved nationwide 5G coverage and plans to further step up investment in 2026 in 5G infrastructure, digital solutions and digital platforms.

The Ministry of Science and Technology assessed nationwide 5G coverage in 2025, which laid a critical foundation for the digital economy, new business models and innovative digital solutions. The application of 5G has helped shift traditional business practices toward digital models, particularly in rural, remote and mountainous areas.

Investment in 5G infrastructure is viewed as a long-term strategic undertaking. Vietnam’s decision to pursue a fast and wide-reaching rollout reflects a consistent development philosophy aligned with international experience: to accelerate 5G adoption, infrastructure must be deployed in advance.

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When farmers livestream to sell products, orders are made quickly. We deliver the orders directly to the end buyers, with products clearly identified in terms of origin and ensuring quality when reaching consumers.

Dinh Thanh Son, Deputy General Director of Viettel Post

The effectiveness of 5G, therefore, should not be measured by short-term profits, but rather by its broader strategic impact, including enhancing labour productivity, improving governance efficiency, raising living standards and strengthening the economy’s long-term competitiveness./.VNA