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

 

‘Boom’ and ‘breakthrough’ are the words experts use when talking about the 4G movement. They say the advanced technology will allow faster internet surfing speed by 10 times, while video clips will run much more smoothly. 

Mobile network operators have been warned that if 4G is not deployed right now, they will miss the great opportunities brought by 4G and they will lag behind other regional countries.

However, like any other games, 4G is not a simple game where there are only winners and no losers. 

With the required huge investment for 4G technology, network operators need to have a ‘cold mind’ and cautious approach. 

Meanwhile, users need to think carefully before deciding to replace their existing smartphones with next-generation ones, because 4G terminal devices are now quite not cheap.

2016 still not golden time

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

Though the biggest mobile network operators have tried 4G and the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) plans to license 4G services in 2016, the 4G boom in 2016 won’t occur as initially predicted.

Viettel has tried 4G in Vung Tau and VinaPhone has done the same on Phu Quoc Island and in HCM City. 

Meanwhile, MobiFone still remains silent about its plan to launch 4G.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Phan Tam noted that 2016 could be the ‘ripe time for 4G’ when Vietnamese network operators can learn lessons from 4G trials by network operators around the world and figure out their 4G development strategies. 

“2016 would be the time when all necessary conditions converge for Vietnam to deploy 4G,” Tam said.

However, analysts pointed out that mobile network operators will only be able to review  trials in other countries and make conclusions no sooner than six more months. 

This means that licensing will be done only in the second half of the year. After licensing, mobile network operators will still need more time to follow necessary procedures. 

Don’t run after device manufacturers

Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Le Nam Thang, who has deep understanding about the market and the network operators’ situation, advised operators to think carefully about launching 4G, and not deploy 4G just to polish their images.

Pham Duc Long, CEO of VNPT Group, also is cautious about 4G deployment. 

“The problem does not lie in infrastructure development. What we need to think about is what would run on 4G,” he said.

Trong Cam