From the analyses above, 6G can be envisioned as an intelligent connectivity system in which integrated AI serves as a powerful brain capable of thinking and learning on its own; ISAC acts as a highly sensitive sense that can see, hear and perceive the world; and ubiquitous connectivity functions as a nervous system stretching throughout the body and extending into space, ensuring that all information is transmitted instantly.

The combination of these three scenarios will create a world where the boundary between the physical and digital realms nearly disappears, opening the door to applications that once seemed possible only in science fiction.

Research and pilot testing 

The Steering Committee for promoting research and development of 6G mobile information technology was established under Decision No. 12/QD-BTTTT dated January 7, 2022. Its task is to guide and promote research, standardization and commercialization of 6G, aiming for trials in 2028 and commercialization from 2029.

Vietnam is among a very small number of countries that have established a 6G Steering Committee and has also set early goals for testing and commercializing 6G, even before the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) approved the radio technology for 6G.

On February 26, 2026, HCMC issued a plan to implement the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. Accordingly, in 2026 the city will research, develop and pilot 6G technology in several areas of the city.

This means HCMC aims to move far ahead of the world by piloting the technology while ITU and 3GPP are still conducting research and have not yet proposed radio technologies for 6G, according to the roadmap.

Looking again at the application scenarios of 6G in Recommendation ITU-R M.2160 and the research roadmap of ITU and 3GPP, achieving these goals is very difficult. However, ambition and determination are necessary in order to move forward.

6G technology includes three scenarios evolved from 5G and three new scenarios, with outstanding technical indicators and revolutionary integration of artificial intelligence and communications.

6G also requires the development of a new radio interface, and many applications will have to be developed starting from the stage of semiconductor chip development for 6G.

So where and in which aspects of 6G can Vietnam participate in research? What should be tested or piloted?

First, the most fundamental area where Vietnam can participate is the selection of frequency allocation for 6G, including both terrestrial and space components. Ultra-high-speed 6G wireless technology requires extremely wide radio frequency bands.

Working with ITU to study and prepare spectrum band for 6G is therefore extremely important. A particularly important principle in the use of radio frequencies is ensuring global harmonization, so participating in ITU study groups on spectrum is essential.

Vietnam has a lot of experience in this content, as it has participated in and made many contributions to the research of frequency allocation for 3G, 4G, and 5G.

Second, Vietnam can participate in research contributing to standardization. This participation will help us include necessary detailed applications in the technology standard research content of the ITU and 3GPP.

On the other hand, participation will help us quickly grasp specific 6G technology standard trends while facilitating the early issuance of Vietnam's standards when realizing 6G.

Third, Vietnam should participate in research to grasp the core technologies of 6G so that it no longer remains a passive importer of technology. Participation in research will help companies proactively deploy networks to realize 6G application scenarios, particularly those integrating AI and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

Regarding testing and pilot programs, at least in the next few years there will be no 6G devices available for trials or pilots. At present, many applications of 5G technology have not yet been deployed in Vietnam.

Viettel is the only telecom operator that has tested advanced 5G (5G Advanced), but it has not yet been commercialized anywhere.

Is the requirement to pilot 6G in several areas of HCMC in 2026 too early? Should efforts instead focus on accelerating the commercialization of 5G Advanced?

Thai Khang