4G compatibility to become mandatory for phones sold in Vietnam

Luong Pham Nam Hoang of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority (VNTA) said at a tech forum on Thursday that his agency has submitted to the Ministry of Information and Communications national standards which include this provision.

It would take effect in July, he said.

Vietnamese telecom providers have been trialing 5G since 2019, and are expected to toll it out in June, he said.

5G services would be deployed in phases to save costs, he said.

Tech companies like Viettel, VinSmart, Bkav, and VNPT have been urged by the ministry to look into producing parts required for 5G support, he added. Importing them would be more expensive, he said.

Globally, around 140 telecom providers in 59 countries and territories have launched 5G services. By 2023 around 15 percent of telecom providers would support standalone 5G without relying on 4G infrastructure.

Vietnam aims to have nationwide 5G coverage by 2030, offering all citizens broadband Internet connection at low prices, according to the VNTA.