Networks defend capacity of 3G

Hanoi (VNA) - While customers of all mobile networks complain about slow 3G services, network operators say their 3G network capacity is large and speed is sufficient.

A report on Vietnamese 3G service users' behavior released by ICT news online and GfK Vietnam shows that 57 percent of users want network operators to improve transmission speed, 18 percent propose that network operators ensure greater stability, 16 percent want an extension of coverage and 15 percent suggest reducing the service fee. The survey was conducted several months ago among users in Hanoi, HCM City and Da Nang.

The Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) last year issued an "ultimatum" to mobile network operators to upgrade their services after clients complained about the bad quality of 3G, reports ICT news.

Network operators said they had been upgrading the networks and that the service quality was stable. In late 2015, the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT) announced that it had the most extensive 3G coverage in Vietnam after it installed 11,000 3G transceiver stations, including 7,000 stations with a 900Mhz frquency.

VinaPhone is now the only network which successfully deploys 3G technology with 900Mhz frequency in all 63 cities and provinces. With 3G 900, VinaPhone's 3G entire coverage is equivalent to 33,000 3G 2100Mhz stations. As such, VinaPhone has expanded its coverage area by 2.5 times compared to 2014.

Meanwhile, by early 2015, Viettel had 29,000 3G transceiver stations, becoming the network with the most 3G stations covering remote and mountainous areas. Viettel is the only network operator which spends money to develop 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, while other operators have stopped investing in 2G. All network operators say their clients only use 40 percent of its 3G capacity but were dissatisfied because 40-60 percent of them use the 70,000 VND service package with 600Mb of 3G data. When clients use up the package, they are informed by text messages but most ignore them, thinking they are spam.

In a new service package for 70,000 VND clients can use 1.6GB Mb of 3G data on high-speed Internet. However, they are not allowed to use the service after using up the capacity provided. They are offered preferential prices if they continue to purchase this package, enabling them to control their expenses and get better quality service of 3G data, said Tu.

Bui Son Nam of MobiFone said with the new package, clients still spend 70,000 VND per month but get more.-VNA