Vietnam’s homegrown 5G technology is making a significant global leap as Viettel’s Make in Vietnam 5G equipment undergoes testing in the Middle East.

This milestone, announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC 2025), solidifies Vietnam’s presence on the global telecommunications map.

Viettel’s High-Tech Industry Corporation, a subsidiary of Viettel Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications (Du - a leading telecom provider in the Middle East - to test and commercialize 5G solutions in the region.

The initial phase of testing will focus on two key components:

5G OpenRAN public networks
5G Private Networks

These trials are expected to lay the foundation for cutting-edge applications, including smart cities, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR), and industrial IoT solutions. This collaboration further cements Vietnam’s position as a global 5G technology provider.

Vietnam’s 5G technology gains global recognition

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of Du, hailed the collaboration as a crucial step toward future-ready connectivity: "Integrating 5G Private and OpenRAN networks allows us to build a next-generation telecom ecosystem that delivers value to businesses, governments, and communities."

Successful trials could pave the way for large-scale 5G commercial deployment in the Middle East.

Currently, Viettel is the only telecom operator in the world that both operates a network and manufactures its own 5G equipment. Thanks to continuous research and innovation, Vietnam is now one of only six countries worldwide capable of producing 5G network infrastructure.

Over the years, Viettel has gradually replaced imported telecom equipment with domestically manufactured solutions, aiming for full autonomy over Vietnam’s telecom network. This shift reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and saves the country valuable foreign exchange reserves.

The cost advantages of using Make in Vietnam 5G equipment could revolutionize the global telecom industry by lowering prices and breaking the monopoly of major equipment manufacturers.

Government-backed support for Vietnam’s 5G industry

At the 5th National Digital Technology Development Forum, the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) recognized Viettel’s 5G network solutions as key national IT products. These include:

5G radio access networks (gNodeB), 5G core networks, and transmission equipment
5G chipsets for telecommunications devices

With this recognition, Viettel’s 5G solutions will receive preferential government policies to accelerate local production and commercialization.

5G’s role in global economic growth

According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), 5G technology is projected to contribute over $930 billion to the global economy by 2030.

Key industries benefiting from 5G adoption include:

Industrial manufacturing (36%)
Public administration (15%)
Service sectors (10%)
Information & communications (9%)
Financial services (8%)

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has recently prioritized rapid 5G commercialization as a strategic initiative to boost economic growth and achieve a national GDP target of at least 8% in 2025.

With this directive, Vietnam’s mastery of 5G technology is expected to play a pivotal role in national economic growth and digital transformation.

Vietnam’s 5G adoption and network expansion

By January 2025:

Viettel had 5.5 million active 5G subscribers
VNPT had expanded 5G coverage to 63 provinces, airports, and industrial zones, reaching 3 million users
MobiFone provided 5G services despite not yet officially launching commercial operations

During the first two months of deployment, Viettel’s average 5G subscriber consumed 21GB of data per month - 1.7 times higher than the initial launch phase.

Industry experts expect 5G adoption in Vietnam to rise significantly in 2025, with a surging demand for high-speed connectivity.

Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a resolution allocating government funds to support the rapid deployment of 5G networks nationwide.

By December 31, 2025, telecom companies that establish at least 20,000 operational 5G base stations will receive a 15% subsidy on equipment costs.

With strong government backing and global partnerships, Vietnam’s 5G technology is poised to become a major player in the international telecom market.

Trong Dat