Users of Apple iPhones and iPads can now subscribe to the 4G LTE service of military-run telecom firm Viettel in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.

Viettel said last week that it had become the first mobile carrier in Vietnam to be allowed by Apple to provide 4G service for iPhone 5 smartphones, iPad 4 tablets and other products of Apple.

Earlier, 4G LTE could not be used for Apple products in the trial period of the service in the southern province but be available for devices running on the Android operating system.

Viettel explained its 4G service in Vietnam was not supported by Apple at that time and this was why it had to implement a pilot plan for the new service over a period.

Viettel said it would offer free SIM cards for customers who want to get hands-on experience in the high-speed mobile Internet service in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the first province in Vietnam where Viettel’s 4G service has been available since the end of last year.

To benefit from the service, customers will have to update iOS 9.3 and install an app of Viettel 24.1 on their iPhones and iPads.

Vinaphone’s 4G service cannot be used in HCMC for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus phones.