A Viettel representative said the 2500-2600 MHz waveband plays an extremely important role, because this is an effective waveband for Viettel to deploy both 4G and 5G networks, thus improving current 4G services and officially launching 5G service. 

This is a waveband with optimal coverage with a radius 1.3 times larger than C-band (3500 MHz).

Winning the auction to obtain the right to use radio frequencies to deploy 5G network is a necessary condition for Viettel to catch up with telecom technology trends in the world, continuing to develop 4G and switching to 5G technology. 

This is also a step to accelerate the national infrastructure and digital service ecosystm, thereby creating new driving forces for economic growth and productivity.

Currently, 5G devices researched and developed by Viettel are ready to run on the 2500-2600 MHz waveband. Viettel had committed to launch 5G at soon as possible.

Doan Quang Hoan, deputy chair of the Vietnam Radio Electronics Association, said 5G technology is the new trend in the world’s mobile communications and Vietnam must not stay outside the trend.

In order to commercialize 5G, the state needs to grant licenses to businesses to use official wavebands to establish networks and provide services. Granting 5G wavebands needs to be implemented through frequency auctions.

Noting that granting licenses through auctions is not a completely new policy, but is stipulated in the 2009 Law on Radio Frequency, Hoan said this has two goals – making the licensing process transparent and collecting money from resources.

“The most important goal is transparency and choosing businesses capable of using the rare and precious resources effectively, ensuring the strong development of the mobile information market and healthy competition,” Hoan said.

Vu Thu Hien from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) said in the first period of 5G deployment, the mid-range band will be the most important waveband which supports 4G and helps ease congestion. Because of this, 71 percent of 5G networks in the world have been deployed on a mid-range band.

Hien said that after the auction of a mid-range waveband, MIC will re-assess market demand and put other wavebands into auction.

Thai Khang