Wireless Networks

Vietnam accelerates 6G plans as 5G reaches 90% population coverage

Vietnam accelerates 6G plans as 5G reaches 90% population coverage

The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VTA) is reportedly stepping up plans to develop 6G technology and services in 2030 as 5G networks now cover the vast majority of the population.

According to state-run Vietnam News Service, VTA deputy director Nguyen Anh Cuong said the governent’s Ministry of Science and Technology has established a steering committee for 6G research and development, with the goal of participating in international 6G standards development in the early stages and mastering the technology in preparation for a national rollout starting in 2030.

Nguyen also said that Vietnam has made good progress in deploying 5G infrastructure since the first 5G networks were launched by Viettel and VNPT’s Vinaphone in late 2024. (MobiFone launched its 5G network in April 2025.)

As of early 2026, Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone have deployed more than 40,000 5G base stations covering 90% of the population, the report said.

Nguyen said 250 of those base stations are using domestically designed and manufactured equipment, and the government intends to raise that number as deployments continue, the report added.

The Vietnamese government has set a target of 5G coverage for 99% of the population – as well as access to fibre optic networks with speeds of at least 1Gbps for 100% of the population – by 2030 in preparation for 6G trials slated to start that year, the report said.

Viettel’s technology arm – Viettel High Tech – has been racing to lead the charge for developing domestic 5G and 6G technology.

At Mobile World Congress 2026, Viettel High Tech signed 6G collaboration deals with Intel, AMD, ID Quantique and Qualcomm as part of its roadmap to commercialise its own 6G gear by 2029.

Last month, Viettel became Qualcomm's first global partner for its 6G Early Access programme, which was formed to establish a clear, milestone-driven roadmap to deliver commercial 6G systems starting in 2029.



More Articles you may be Interested in...