Brian Jeffrey
Efforts are being heightened to position Vietnam as a global leader in technological innovation as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector commemorates its 79th anniversary.
The early 1990s marked a significant period for Vietnam’s postal and telecommunications sector, witnessing a surge in foreign investment and a growing demand for mobile communication services, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.
Efforts were made by the General Department of Posts and Telecommunications to explore mobile communications in Vietnam, collaborating with partners such as SingTel, Alcatel, Siemens, and Ericsson.
During 1991-1993, the digital cellular mobile technology GSM started to be extensively deployed across Europe. This emerging technology posed a crucial question to Vietnam on which technology would best suit its evolving communication needs due to the growing demand.
Vietnam’s decision to adopt digital technology over analog paved the way for the deployment of the GSM network despite challenges like high costs and commercialization difficulties.
Mr. Mai Liem Truc, the former head of the General Department of Posts and Telecommunications, stressed that opting for digital technology was essential for modernization, leading to the selection of GSM as the mobile communication technology.
Vietnam’s pioneering move in selecting technology in the 1990s set the stage for future advancements in the country’s telecommunications sector.
In January 2020, Vietnam marked a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first video call using a 5G connection on a gNodeB transmitter and receiver developed by Viettel, demonstrating mastery over 5G technology.
Viettel’s successful testing of the 5G network in 2019 positioned Vietnam among the top five countries in 5G testing and among the top six globally in producing 5G terminal equipment.
Notably, Viettel stands out as the sole telecommunications operator among the top six companies producing equipment and operating a network.
By September 2021, Viettel achieved impressive speeds of up to 4.7Gbps with its 5G technology, making it one of the fastest telecommunication networks in Asia.
The IT and Communication Industry Department acknowledged Viettel’s 5G products, making them eligible for preferential policies under key IT product production regulations.
Viettel’s strategic shift towards locally manufactured devices contributes to Vietnam’s technological independence and reduces reliance on foreign sources.
Vietnam’s technological advancements have far-reaching implications, establishing the country as a global technology leader critical for economic growth and national security.
The development of 6G technology, poised to redefine wireless technology by offering faster speeds, lower latency, and higher reliability, has caught the attention of the global technology community.
Several countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, the USA, and the European Union, are actively investing in 6G research and development to maintain their leading positions in this innovative technology.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Information and Communications has established a 6G Development Group to drive research, testing, and promotion of 6G mobile technology.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Pham Duc Long highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to contributing to global 6G standards and investing in laboratories for businesses to advance 6G research.
Vietnam aims to seize the opportunity and create a new industry by researching and producing 6G equipment, collaborating domestically and internationally with experts and research institutes.
