If mobile network operators in Vietnam are granted sufficient spectrum resources to develop ultra-fast 5G, they will have greater opportunities to launch new service applications, boost GDP, and help transform Vietnam into a prosperous digital nation.

Experts suggest that for Vietnam to reach 5G speeds ranging from 400 Mbps to 600 Mbps - similar to those in Kuwait, Qatar, and South Korea - a highly valuable national resource remains untapped: 180 MHz of the remaining C-band spectrum (3600-3700 MHz and 3900-3980 MHz) must be brought into use.

5G networks are considered a critical digital foundation for the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution sweeping across the globe. Understanding this significance, Vietnam has taken initial steps toward the commercialization of 5G.

In 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications (now merged into the Ministry of Science and Technology) auctioned and licensed 100 MHz of the 2600 MHz band to Viettel and two C-band blocks (3700-3800 MHz and 3800-3900 MHz) to major carriers VNPT and MobiFone.

These were significant milestones, laying the initial groundwork for nationwide 5G deployment.

Just over a year after licensing 5G frequencies to operators, Vietnam's 5G speed and quality have seen outstanding improvements, earning a spot among countries with high mobile download speeds.

According to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence report as of August 2025, Vietnam ranks 16th globally in mobile download speeds, averaging between 150 Mbps and 200 Mbps. However, when compared with top-tier countries like the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and South Korea - where speeds can reach 400 Mbps to 600 Mbps - Vietnam must continue to enhance its 5G performance.

Experts reiterate that to reach similar speed levels, the remaining 180 MHz of the C-band spectrum (3600-3700 MHz and 3900-3980 MHz) must be utilized.

Amid surging data demand and global competition in digital transformation, activating this 180 MHz spectrum is not merely a technical issue. It is a strategic necessity for launching advanced 5G networks - with ultra-high speed, extreme reliability, latency below 1ms, large-scale IoT support, and deep integration with AI and ML technologies - to power Vietnam’s digital economy.

Analysts emphasize that the key difference does not lie in equipment technology but in the spectrum bandwidth assigned to operators. A 100 MHz bandwidth is a solid start, yet it’s insufficient to create a breakthrough in speed and capacity, especially when compared to global competitors. To ascend to the top tier, expanding bandwidth and deploying advanced 5G is the only path forward.

How are other countries using 5G spectrum?

In leading 5G nations, a common trend emerges: the best-performing operators hold wide spectrum bands. In the United States, Middle East, and South Korea, top carriers possess over 200 MHz of 5G bandwidth. For example, T-Mobile (U.S.) owns more than 200 MHz in the mid-band range (including C-band), giving it a major edge in speed and coverage. South Korea’s SK Telecom, one of the world's most advanced 5G operators, holds large contiguous spectrum blocks. Carriers in Europe and the Middle East typically hold at least 100 MHz, aiming for 200 MHz to ensure competitiveness.

Vietnam’s economy is growing rapidly (7.1% in 2024, targeting double digits in 2025), and the number of 5G smartphone users is increasing. Most young people, university students, and new employees already own at least one 5G-capable device.

However, network performance in high-density areas still leaves much to be desired at events such as those at My Dinh Stadium, the Dong Anh exhibition, or around Hoan Kiem Lake. Adding another 100 MHz of 5G spectrum would be a strategic move, enabling carriers to reach a total of 200 MHz. This would not only significantly improve network speed and capacity for current users but also lay a robust foundation for advanced 5G services - boosting competitiveness and unlocking new revenue streams.

The most immediate and direct benefit is a potential doubling in both download and upload speeds. In theory, doubling bandwidth from 100 MHz to 200 MHz allows users to experience double the maximum speeds. This means activities such as streaming 4K/8K films, playing graphics-intensive games, or holding high-quality video conferences will be much smoother and faster.

With 200 MHz of total bandwidth, mobile networks can serve many more users simultaneously in a single area without compromising individual speeds. This is particularly crucial in crowded places like city centers, stadiums, malls, or large-scale events. Adding spectrum will effectively alleviate network congestion and ensure stable connections for everyone, enhancing service quality and user experience.

Another benefit is improved connection stability. Users will experience fewer speed fluctuations, enabling seamless and reliable network usage.

Opening the door to new services and economic growth

Experts highlight that larger bandwidth not only serves individual users but also allows carriers to implement advanced 5G services for enterprises and industries. This includes enabling network slicing to flexibly allocate resources per service, ensuring customized services with guaranteed quality.

It supports the delivery of high-speed fixed wireless access (5G FWA) for homes and businesses without the need for fiber cable installations - particularly useful in infrastructure-limited areas. Customized 5G networks (Private Networks) can also be deployed in smart factories, industrial zones, and ports to automate and optimize operations. Millions of IoT devices can be connected simultaneously, aiding smart city development and high-tech agriculture.

A high-speed 5G network also boosts productivity. The faster the network, the quicker businesses can access, process, and analyze big data - leading to more accurate decision-making. Remote collaboration tools and augmented reality (AR) for training or equipment repairs all function more effectively with powerful 5G infrastructure.

Analysts agree that increasing bandwidth enhances speed and capacity, which unlocks high-tech applications. A nationwide ultra-fast 5G network will enable new business models and optimize existing industries.

Ericsson Vietnam has repeatedly emphasized that ultra-fast mobile connectivity will help attract foreign investment and fuel GDP growth. Therefore, accelerating 5G deployment is not just a telecommunications goal but a national economic strategy. Vietnam needs a clear 5G acceleration plan - centered on expanding bandwidth for network operators.

Spectrum is a finite resource and must be used to its fullest potential. The remaining 180 MHz of the C-band should be activated to maximize its capabilities. Now is the time to turn potential into action, unleash the power of the remaining C-band spectrum, and let Vietnam's 5G truly take off - paving the way for the country to become a prosperous digital nation.

With sufficient resources, carriers can make stronger investments, enhance service quality, boost 5G speeds, expand capacity, and compete on equal footing with regional and global rivals.

Thai Khang