VietNamNet Bridge – Mobile networks’ 3G services have posted strong growth despite the nation’s protracted economic difficulties, becoming a major revenue generator of local mobile phone services firms.

A customer inspects Viettel’s 3G service. Local mobile service providers have seen strong growth of 3G services.

Tong Viet Trung, deputy general director of military-run telecom firm Viettel, said its 3G service gained positive growth last year although other mobile services got into many difficulties. 3G services are contributing over 50% to the company’s revenues.

Viettel takes the lead in the local market in terms of infrastructure with around 55,000 base transceiver stations, including 25,000 for 3G.

The number of 3G subscribers has picked up sharply as a result of promotions of providers, which include lowering 3G charges. In addition, prices of cell phones with 3G technology have declined, Trung said.

VinaPhone, the first 3G service provider in Vietnam, also said that the service contributes significantly to its revenue.

Lam Hoang Vinh, deputy general director of VNPT and director of VinaPhone, said the 3G service recorded 60% growth in revenue last year with nearly six million active subscribers.

VinaPhone is offering over 80 value added services on 3G technology to customers. Total revenue from non-calling services accounts for over 52% of VinaPhone’s charge collections.

As of the end of last year, VinaPhone built over 10,000 3G stations, raising the total number of its 2G and 3G BTS stations in the country to nearly 28,500.

Experts in the telecom industry expected that 3G services will become the biggest revenue contributor if enterprises speed up this service in the coming time.

After providers have made huge investments in infrastructure, it is time for them to start making the most of their 3G infrastructure, Trung of Viettel said.

Statistics of the Ministry of Information and Communications show that mobile service providers since 2009 have invested nearly VND28 trillion in their 3G networks that have reached 90% of the population.

Vietnam launched commercial 3G services in October 2009. The current 3G providers are Viettel, MobiFone, VinaPhone and Vietnamobile.

Source: SGT