Vietnam’s 2G shutdown by late 2024 will free up spectrum for 5G and emerging technologies, aligning the country with global telecom advancements.

With the commercialization of 5G, Vietnam is set to revolutionize industries by implementing smart factories, ports, and mines, aligning with global advancements.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng said 2024 is a year of 5G commercialisation nationwide, but operators still have to invest in 4G infrastructure, which will be important for at least the next five years.

As of October 15, 2024, the deadline for 2G termination, there still were 225,000 2G-only subscribers who had not upgraded to 4G, according to the Authority of Telecommunications (AOT) under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).

Telecoms service providers in Vietnam are investing in 4G and 5G mobile phone connectivity infrastructure at the same time.

Vietnam is focusing on Open RAN technology as a key driver of its 5G development strategy, a shift intended to boost technological independence and security by embracing open standards.

On October 15, Viettel officially announced the launch of its 5G network, marking the 20th anniversary of its mobile service, Viettel Mobile.

Starting at midnight on October 16, telecom providers will stop servicing 2G-only subscribers, pushing forward the transition to 4G and 5G technology.

The Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) will officially launch the first 5G service in Vietnam on October 15, with faster internet speeds and ultra-low latency.

MobiFone and Ericsson signed in Hanoi on October 2 a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on establishing a 5G Innovation Hub at MobiFone’s premises in Vietnam.

Experts highlighted the important role of digital infrastructure, especially 5G technology, in developing Vietnam's digital economy at a workshop in Hanoi on September 30.

After joining the ranks of the top five countries capable of producing 5G equipment, Vietnam is now setting its sights on leading the development of 6G technology.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has released a plan on improving Vietnam’s mobile network quality by 2025, which aims to deploy 5G commercialization.

MobiFone has successfully secured the rights to use the C3 frequency band (3,800 - 3,900 MHz) following a successful re-auction.

The number of subscribers for 5G services will not surpass 4G until 2029, experts say. While developing 5G, network operators still have to make investments in 4G and improve service quality.

Vietnam is on track to turn off 2G mobile signals and develop the 5G network, said Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Investment returns may be some way off for telecoms groups, despite taking on ownership of 5G frequency bands via auction.

The frequency auction for 5G network took place after 10 years of great effort, marking a milestone in Vietnam’s telecommunications sector, which aims to be run on a market mechanism with healthy competition.

Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has won the bid for the right to the country’s 5G 3700-3800 MHz, designated as C2 band block.