VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam should use a lower frequency when developing 3G infrastructure to reduce costs as well as to increase the 3G broadband infrastructure, according to Qualcomm.

Talking on the sidelines of the event on experiencing 3G technology held last week, Thieu Phuong Nam, country manager of Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, said that Vietnam’s choice of the frequency of 2100Mhz in the past was a right decision.

However, it is now a new development stage of 3G and users need network infrastructure able to provide greater data needs and a wider coverage, so a lower frequency like 900Mhz is a good choice. Therefore, Vietnam should consider building 3G infrastructure on this frequency, according to Nam.

Developing 3G on a low frequency such as 900Mhz will cost less, have an extensive coverage and can increase the 3G quality. Besides, 95% of the devices such as smart phones and tablets can be connected to the frequency of 900Mhz.

In fact, network suppliers have recently proposed the Ministry of Information and Communications to use the low frequencies of 800-900Mhz for 3G network.

At a recent telecom and information technology expo held in HCMC, deputy general director of Viettel Tong Viet Trung said that to develop big-bandwidth infrastructure including 3G, it was necessary to expand the broadband to everyone first mainly by radio network. Without the frequencies of 800-900Mhz, the plan cannot work, he added.

According to Trung, developing 3G on a low frequency will cut investment costs, increase the coverage as well as the 3G quality. “If 3G continues to be offered on the frequency of 2100Mhz like currently, the costs will be high and thus push up the 3G fees,” said Trung.

The journey of experiencing 3G launched by Qualcomm will take place in 30 provinces and cities to help more people to use 3G technology.

With this four-month journey ending in Hanoi on March 5, Qualcomm and some partners like HTC, LG, Nokia, Q-Mobile, Thegioididong.com, Vien Thong A and Viettel will introduce devices and 3G technology to users across the country.

Source: SGT