According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, on the afternoon of September 16, a successful re-auction was held at the headquarters of the Authority of Radio Frequency Management for the rights to use the B1-B1’ spectrum block (758 - 768 MHz).

Before the bidding commenced, a representative from National Auction Partnership No. 5 – the agency managing the auction – clearly outlined all legal procedures, regulations, and processes to ensure transparency and legal compliance for participating enterprises.

After two rounds of bidding, the winning company was selected in accordance with legal guidelines.

The legal procedures are now being expedited by the auction agency to be submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology for final approval and official announcement.

VietNamNet sources confirmed that VNPT successfully acquired the 703-713 MHz and 758-768 MHz blocks (B1-B1’) with a final bid of VND 1.995 trillion (USD 82.9 million). The initial starting price for each block - B1-B1’, B2-B2’, and B3-B3’ - was VND 1.955 trillion (USD 81.3 million).

At the event, Le Van Tuan, Director of the Authority of Radio Frequency Management, noted, “In 2024, we successfully auctioned and licensed 5G deployment using mid-range frequency bands (2.6 GHz and 3.7 GHz). Earlier in 2025, we also successfully auctioned the B2-B2’ block (713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz). As a result, the available spectrum for IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) increased by 94%, from 340 MHz in 2020 to 660 MHz in 2025, placing Vietnam fourth out of ten ASEAN countries - behind only Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.”

He added that integrating new spectrum bands has significantly improved Vietnam’s position on the global mobile broadband map.

As of July 2025, Vietnam’s mobile internet speed reached 151.69 Mbps, up 26 spots year-over-year, ranking 18th globally and third in ASEAN (behind Brunei and Singapore).

Notably, Ookla reports that both VinaPhone and Viettel were among the top three fastest mobile networks worldwide in the first two quarters of 2025.

“The successful auction of B1-B1’ will help telecom companies expand mobile coverage - especially in rural and mountainous regions - and enhance indoor connectivity in urban areas,” emphasized Director Le Van Tuan. “This is a critical foundation to advance digital equity, bringing cutting-edge technology to all citizens, from cities to remote areas, while improving national digital infrastructure and accelerating comprehensive digital transformation.”

On May 20, 2025, the B2-B2’ spectrum (713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz) was re-auctioned, with Viettel emerging as the winning bidder. This spectrum is considered a “diamond band” due to its strategic value in coverage and performance.

Viettel’s acquisition of this band grants it a competitive edge in signal penetration and reach - key factors in the ongoing 5G rollout race.

Before being made available for mobile services, the 700 MHz spectrum was used for analog television broadcasting. However, with Vietnam’s transition to digital terrestrial TV, this band was freed up and reallocated to telecom operators.

Globally, the 700 MHz band is widely adopted for 4G and 5G due to its superior signal propagation properties. Its ability to transmit over long distances and penetrate buildings makes it one of the most valuable bands for wide-area and indoor mobile coverage.

Thai Khang