Viettel Group has officially won the first round of auctions for the radio frequency band 2500-2600 MHz to deploy 5G services in Vietnam. The acquired frequency band, granted by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), will allow Viettel to improve the deployment of 4G services and the implementation of 5G, for the next 15 years.
Viettel Group believes that the 2500-2600 MHz frequency band will provide an ideal platform for the deployment of both 4G and 5G networks. The 2500-2600 MHz frequency band offers a coverage 1.3 times larger than that of the C band (3500 MHz), ensuring wider network coverage and enhanced accessibility to services for consumers.
Enhancing Vietnam’s 4G/5G Capacity and Capabilities
The frequency band offers ample capacity and high throughput capabilities, making it well-suited for supporting the increasing demand for data-intensive applications and services associated with both 4G and 5G networks. With more spectrum available in this band, network operators can deliver faster data speeds and accommodate a larger number of connected devices simultaneously.
The 2500-2600 MHz band is particularly advantageous for enabling enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, which are central to the capabilities of both 4G and 5G networks. These services include high-definition video streaming, online gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), all of which require high bandwidth and low latency, both of which are facilitated by this frequency band.
For 5G deployment specifically, the 2500-2600 MHz band is well-aligned with the 5G New Radio (NR) specifications and standards. It supports the deployment of 5G networks using both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) architectures, enabling operators to deliver a wide range of 5G services, including enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).
The frequency band strikes a balance between coverage and capacity, making it suitable for deploying 4G and 5G networks in both urban and suburban areas. It allows operators to provide blanket coverage while also delivering high-speed connectivity in densely populated areas, meeting the diverse needs of users across different environments.
The 2500-2600 MHz band is globally harmonized for mobile broadband services, ensuring compatibility with devices and networks deployed in other regions. This harmonization facilitates international roaming and interoperability, enabling seamless connectivity experiences for users traveling abroad.
Growing Vietnam’s National Digital Infrastructure
Viettel plans to take advantage of the spectrum license to keep up with the global telecom trends, further improve the 4G network, and transition to 5G technology. Moreover, this will contribute to the progress of the national digital infrastructure and digital service industry, thereby creating new opportunities for economic growth.
Currently, Viettel has developed and produced 5G equipment for the 2500-2600 MHz spectrum. The company plans to launch the 5G network across Vietnam as soon as possible. MIC has also kicked off its auction for the 3700-3800 MHz band and the upcoming auction for the 3800-3900 MHz band will be on March 19. Every bidder is allowed to obtain only one band.