Nội dung chính
Vietnam is emerging as the most effective 5G implementer in ASEAN.
During the International Digital Vietnam 2025 Week in Ninh Bình, the ASEAN‑5G Summit chaired by Vietnam became a pivotal forum for telecom regulators, global vendors and investors to discuss the region’s digital infrastructure roadmap.
Why Vietnam Stands Out
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bùi Thế Duy emphasized that 5G is not merely a connectivity layer; it fuels artificial intelligence (AI) across industry, health, education and environmental protection. He described the synergy between 5G and AI as “the key to a smart, sustainable digital ecosystem where technology truly serves people and society.”
According to Lê Văn Tuấn, Director of the National Frequency Management Agency, Vietnam’s rapid 5G rollout stems from a balanced spectrum strategy, affordable licence fees and aggressive investment incentives.
Strategic Spectrum Allocation
Vietnam allocated 100 MHz of mid‑band (C‑band, 2.6 GHz) and two blocks of 10 MHz low‑band (700 MHz) that were released after the digital TV transition. This generous bandwidth accelerates data rates, expands coverage and allows operators to deploy advanced antenna filters that mitigate interference and shift satellite services to the Ku‑band or upper C‑band.
Crucially, the spectrum licence fee averages only 6 % of an operator’s annual revenue—well below the 10 % threshold that, according to industry studies, can suppress infrastructure investment.
Policy Support and Investment Incentives
Resolution 193 of the National Assembly promises financial aid equal to 15 % of equipment costs for operators that install more than 20,000 5G sites by 2025. The goal is to achieve 90 % population coverage and reach 50 % of the existing 4G site count by year‑end.
“A developing country can leapfrog digital infrastructure when policies align with market realities,” Tuấn noted, urging other ASEAN members to consider similar frameworks as they prepare for the forthcoming 6G era.
Building a 5G‑AI Ecosystem
International partners such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Viettel, VNPT and MobiFone are co‑creating an open‑gateway model. Ericsson Vietnam’s Phạm Lê Chung highlighted that operators are exposing APIs for banks, fintechs and content platforms, enabling value‑added services that transform telcos into full‑stack digital providers.
Nokia’s Deepak Singh pointed out a noticeable “ARPU jump” driven by high‑speed data experiences and flexible pricing bundles. He added that AI will power the next data surge, with digital‑twin simulations and machine‑learning algorithms optimizing network configuration, reducing latency and cutting energy consumption.
Looking Ahead: 6G and the Intelligent Edge
Qualcomm’s Nies Puwati described the emerging “Connected Intelligent Edge” where billions of sensors and AI agents operate at the network edge, paving the way for 6G. She projected mobile data traffic to quadruple by 2030, with AI accounting for one‑third of total network load by 2033.
Since its inception in 2019, the ASEAN‑5G Summit has evolved from a technical coordination platform into a symbol of Vietnam’s leadership in shaping a connected, intelligent and sustainable ASEAN digital economy.
With a long‑term vision, Vietnam is helping the region narrow the digital divide, drive economic growth and ensure technology serves the greater good.
