Hanoi (VNA) – The GSMA Digital Nation Summit, co-hosted by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and the Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA), convened in Hanoi on April 15. This marks the first time the summit has been held in Vietnam.
Themed, “Fireside Chat: Connecting Vietnam - the Role of Mobile Operators in Digital Nation Building,” the event focused on discussing solutions to develop a modern and sustainable Vietnamese digital ecosystem. At the summit, GSMA and VDCA engaged in dialogue on supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation journey.
Nguyen Dat, Deputy General Director of Viettel Group, said the group aims to rapidly deploy 5G networks, targeting nationwide coverage comparable to 4G by 2026. All urban and rural areas will be equipped with 5G Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) equipment to ensure high performance and readiness for next-generation digital services. This strategy seeks to provide equal access to technology for all citizens, narrow the digital divide, and contribute to the goal of the digital economy accounting for 30% of Vietnam's GDP by 2030.
A representative from Viettel High Tech, which is responsible for research and development of high-tech equipment within Viettel, affirmed that the group has fully mastered core 5G technologies, cementing its dual role as both telecom operator and technology innovator.
At the event, Viettel also announced promising results in the research and development of Open RAN technology, a strategic direction that enhances domestic telecom infrastructure autonomy, reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, and fosters flexibility and openness in network architecture. With full control over both hardware and software, Viettel is among the few global telecom providers capable of deploying a comprehensive, self-reliant 5G ecosystem.
Building on this foundation, the group plans to advance towards 5G Advanced and 6G in the next five years, reinforcing its pioneering position in Vietnam and the region’s telecommunications and information technology sector.
The same day, representatives from Viettel Cyber Security and Viettel IDC engaged in discussions with GSMA, LG, Nokia, and Ericsson on technological solutions and policy contributions related to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Vietnam’s economy is growing very rapidly, perhaps one of the fastest in the region, and Viettel is one of the country’s largest telecom operators, noted Julian Gorman, Head of Asia-Pacific at GSMA.
Earlier, on April 9, GSMA and VDCA announced a new partnership to promote Vietnam’s mobile and digital communication ecosystem. The collaboration will leverage the potential of the mobile ecosystem to support the Government’s 2021–2030 planning for information and communication infrastructure development.
The roadmap includes key targets such as expanding broadband infrastructure to ensure 5G coverage of 99% of the population by 2030, developing environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure, and establishing innovation hubs to accelerate technology development. It also envisions positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for cybersecurity and data.
Through this collaboration, GSMA and VDCA will share technical expertise, promote industry-wide events, and connect stakeholders through leadership platforms. The partnership is expected to enable VDCA and Vietnam’s digital communication ecosystem to integrate more closely with GSMA’s global mobile innovation network. The Vietnamese government has set an ambitious digital agenda for 2025 under the theme 'Comprehensive Digital Transformation for Economic Growth'. The National Digital Transformation Committee aims to drive an 8-10% GDP growth rate, focusing on digital breakthroughs across industries. With decisive policies and continued investment in digital infrastructure, Vietnam is poised to solidify its position as a regional leader in digital transformation and economic growth./.
