Since launching its 3G service, Military-run Viettel has cut its monthly service fee to 10,000 VND (0.6 USD) to attract customers.

Not to be outdone, Mobifone, which also recently launched 3G, reduced its monthly fee to 5,000 VND.

To attract customers, both mobile operators have introduced 3G promotional programmes. From now until April 30, Viettel will slash its 3G registration fee for mobile internet by 50 percent. It will also exempt post-paid subscribers from the activation fee.

It now also offers bonuses of more than 1 million VND on D-com 3G service accounts.

Meanwhile, Mobifone has reduced its monthly subscription fee for mobile internet subscribers who use Surf and Suft30 packages until June 3. In addition, subscribers to its
FastConnect 3G service will not have to pay an activation fee, while FastConnect 2 and FastConnect 3 users will only have to pay 50 percent of the subscription fee.

Dinh Viet Hung, chief of Mobifone's Charge and Marketing Division, said the company needed to promote 3G to stimulate demand.

During the month-long 3G promotional campaign in March in eight southern cities, customers in Tan An, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau, Bien Hoa, Thu Dau Mot, Tay Ninh, Dong Xoai and Da Lat received free software.

Mobifone offers four 3G-based services – video calling, mobile TV, mobile internet and fast connect.

The companies' promotional campaigns mean the cost of 3G is now less than GPRS./.