When Can Users of Vietnam's Big 3 Mobile Carriers Access 5G?

When Can Users of Vietnam's Big 3 Mobile Carriers Access 5G?

Vietnam's mobile landscape is heating up with the imminent launch of 5G services. After Viettel introduced 5G data plans, Vinaphone and MobiFone also announced trial programs for users in October and November.

MobiFone is the latest player to join the 5G race. The telco said in a statement this weekend that it is “focusing on deploying the necessary infrastructure, getting ready to commercialize 5G”. Users can expect to experience MobiFone's 5G services starting November.

Meanwhile, Vinaphone shared that its 5G trial program will run from October 13 to November 15. Users with 5G-capable phones will receive invitation messages when passing covered areas to experience the high-speed connectivity free for 30 days, with 50GB of data.

Vinaphone's free trial announcement comes just two days before Viettel officially launches commercial 5G services. In a press release, the carrier said it will introduce 5G offerings on October 15, coinciding with its 20th founding anniversary. In reality, Viettel Telecom has already been running 5G trials quietly before unveiling plans starting from 135,000 VND.

According to plans, Viettel will roll out 5G simultaneously in 63 provinces and cities nationwide, but specific coverage areas remain unclear. Likewise, Vinaphone and MobiFone have not disclosed trial locations.

In its latest statement, VNPT affirmed completing installation of over 3,000 5G base stations for Vinaphone across Vietnam, emphasizing coverage in urban centers and major economic hubs countrywide. Meanwhile, MobiFone said it is pursuing infrastructure sharing models with carriers holding suitable 5G spectrum. “The cooperation not only optimizes resources but also brings customers the best experiences,” a representative commented.

Since 2020, all three mobile operators have been conducting 5G trials but not yet commercially launched services. It was not until March this year that the process reached final stages, with Viettel and VNPT successfully bidding for 5G frequencies, while MobiFone followed in July. Regulations require auction winners to roll out services within 12 months of licensing and install at least 3,000 base stations within two years.

The Race to Deliver 5G Connectivity

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications' infrastructure blueprint, by 2025, 100% of provinces, cities, high-tech zones, IT clusters, R&D centers, industrial parks, railway stations, seaports, and international airports will have 5G mobile services. Minimum speeds should reach 100Mbps.

Globally, 5G networks enabling the hyperconnected world took off commercially 5 years ago, unlocking the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and supercharging data-hungry applications.

For average users, 5G’s most noticeable advantage over 4G is peak theoretical speeds reaching 10Gbps in ideal conditions. Local tests in Vietnam have achieved 5G download rates around 1Gbps, 10 times faster than 4G in the same locations. Another benefit is extremely low latency and the ability to support massive device numbers, enabling uses like self-driving vehicles, remote surgical systems, VR/AR, and more. However, as Vietnamese 5G utilizes higher frequency bands, base station coverage is smaller, requiring more deployments by carriers.

To use 5G, consumers need a plan and a compatible device. Flagship phones from the iPhone 12, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2 onwards support 5G. Many midrange and budget Android models released in the past 2-3 years also have the connectivity.

Early Movers in Vietnam's 5G Arena

Viettel and Vinaphone were the pioneering mobile carriers conducting 5G trials in Vietnam from 2020. However, commercialization only progressed in early 2022.

In March, Viettel Telecom and VNPT won spectrum in a long-awaited 5G licensing auction. They obtained bandwidth in the 3.5GHz and 26GHz/28GHz bands respectively, mainstream frequencies for 5G globally. The following month, Viettel gave select users in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi access to its 5G trial network operating on the new 3.5GHz spectrum.

MobiFone entered the race later, securing a 5G license in July 2022 after paying over VND 1.2 trillion (~$50 million) for 40MHz in the 26GHz band. Despite being the last major telco to acquire 5G airwaves, MobiFone moves swiftly to catch up. It chose Nokia as sole supplier for nationwide 5G rollout in a deal worth ~$150 million.

With licenses secured, the big 3 can finally take their pilot networks to commercial operation within the mandated timeline. Viettel is first off the blocks with its October 15 launch. MobiFone anticipates opening its 5G services to early adopters in November. Vinaphone will also start welcoming customers onto its 5G trial this month before full-scale launch.

Viettel Powers Ahead with 63-Province 5G Rollout

As Vietnam's largest telco, Viettel is able to progress most aggressively with 5G deployment. It has installed over 1,000 5G base stations already as of July 2022.

The military-run carrier now aims to flip the switch on 5G simultaneously across all 63 provinces and cities on October 15. Specific locations with coverage remain unannounced. But users in major urban centers can expect early access.

Viettel revealed 5G data-only plans just days before launch. Packages are priced from 135,000 VND (~$6) for 5GB, up to 335,000 VND (~$14) for 50GB.

However, devices are still limited for harnessing Viettel's 5G speeds. Only the Realme GT Neo 3 with Dimensity 8100 chip is confirmed compatible among phones officially sold in Vietnam.

As the country's second largest telco, Vinaphone also targets extensive 5G reach. State-owned VNPT is installing over 3,000 Vinaphone 5G base stations nationwide by year-end, emphasizing major economic centers.

Vinaphone will initially provide free trial 5G starting mid-October. Eligible users with 5G mobiles will receive 50GB free data upon entering covered zones, for experience purposes before paid plans launch.

MobiFone Pursues Joint 5G Rollout for Wider Coverage

Although possessing ample 5G spectrum, newcomer MobiFone lacks an extensive tower network. It is pursuing infrastructure sharing models to quickly achieve service coverage matching larger rivals.

The telco declined to reveal launch locations but said central and northern key economic regions will get first dibs come November. A tie-up with Viettel could be likely for quick access to the latter's 3.5GHz infrastructure.

Sharing agreements enable MobiFone to optimize costs while rapidly deploying 5G nationwide. Users ultimately stand to benefit from the improved experience and accessibility.

Like competitors, MobiFone will kickstart by providing free 5G trials before unveiling commercial packages. Those wishing to be among the first sampling its next-gen speeds can register interest on the company's website.

When Will 5G Reach the Masses?

Early adopters in urban hotspots can expect to purchase 5G services from October 2022 onwards. However, widespread availability to the masses remains a longer-term vision.

Heavy capital expenditure requirements and tower density challenges mean 5G coverage will continue improving gradually over the next few years.

Urban residents are likely to gain access first, starting in major hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rollout to smaller towns and rural areas will follow later. Infrastructure sharing deals between carriers can help accelerate that.

Viettel disclosed intentions to invest $1.2 billion through 2025 to deploy 15,000 5G base stations for nationwide coverage. Such initiatives by Vietnam's big 3 telcos will collectively enhance 5G progressively over the next 3 years.

While businesses and innovators leverage 5G to increase efficiency and create new solutions today, regular consumers can enjoy the enabling speeds and low latency of the future network soon in urban zones. Rural rollout will further democratize next-gen connectivity.