Hanoi (VNA) — Vietnam is expected to begin trial deployment of 6G network by 2028, as the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group steps up development of next-generation technology.
The announcement was made on March 3 at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, where Viettel outlined its roadmap for developing 6G products and ecosystems. The group indicated that 6G will be designed as an AI-native system, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) across devices, network infrastructure, and cloud computing platforms.
According to the group, the technology will be built on three core pillars: next-generation connectivity, large-scale sensing capabilities, and high-performance computing. Viettel is currently participating in research on 6G architecture and plans to conduct early trials of pre-commercial systems and devices by 2028, while contributing to global standard-setting efforts ahead of commercial deployment from 2029.
The group emphasised that its concept of “6G commercialisation” extends beyond providing telecom services, but encompasses the development and business of technology products such as network equipment, software platforms, and AI-integrated smart device ecosystems developed in-house.
On the sidelines of the event, Viettel also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to establish a strategic partnership in AI-enabled smart mobile devices. Under the agreement, the two sides aim to co-develop and commercialise flagship smartphones, with Qualcomm providing reference designs and technical support, while Viettel takes charge of development, manufacturing, and commercialisation, integrating its proprietary Agentic AI software ecosystem.
The combination of Qualcomm’s advanced hardware and Viettel’s AI platform is expected to create a new generation of smart devices serving as key endpoints in the current 5G ecosystem and paving the way for future 6G applications.
At the same event, Viettel, alongside FPT and VNG, joined a global strategic alliance initiated by Qualcomm to accelerate the deployment of 6G worldwide from 2029. The alliance brings together leading technology firms to establish defined milestones, including early system validation and pre-commercial demonstrations by 2028, and interoperable global 6G networks by 2029.
The initiative is expected to focus on development across devices, networks, and cloud infrastructure, while promoting standardisation and readiness assessment frameworks for the industry.
Viettel Chairman and General Director Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang said that the participation in the global 6G alliance reflects the group’s commitment to mastering core technologies and contributing to the 6G ecosystem from an early stage.
Viettel hopes to work closely with partners to promote innovation and progressively enable technology products researched and developed in Vietnam to integrate more deeply into global value chains, he added.
Commenting on the participation in the alliance, Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT, emphasised that Qualcomm, FPT, and other technology corporations in the alliance will work together to advance the development of 6G.
Joining this alliance will also enable FPT to enhance its capacity to translate cutting-edge technologies into practical value for customers, and strengthen capabilities in smart transportation, UAV systems, smart manufacturing, and advanced digital engineering, said Binh.
Le Hong Minh, Founder and Chairman of VNG, affirmed that the next frontier of AI lies in the convergence of computing and connectivity. VNG is developing AI agents to serve hundreds of millions of users in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and 6G will be the infrastructure that turns this vision into reality.
The participation of Vietnamese firms in the global 6G alliance not only demonstrates their rising position in high-tech value chains, but also expands their capabilities in next-generation core technologies, positioning Vietnam as an emerging contributor to the future digital ecosystem./.
