The Power of 5G: Viettel’s Pre-Launch Trendsetter

19 October, 2024

The 5G Speed Test and “Flexing” Trend

A trend has emerged, originating from a reputable newspaper reporting that smartphone users in various provinces such as Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Binh Duong, Thai Binh, Nghe An, and Nam Dinh, have been able to detect 5G signals, with some even claiming to have had access to 5G since late September, despite the technology not yet being officially launched. This information sparked enthusiastic discussions and was quickly shared across social media platforms. Numerous Facebook accounts also confirmed the presence of 5G in multiple locations in the comments section of the article: “It’s been in Hoan Kiem for a while now,” “I got it up at Ho Guom Lake,” and “I can catch 5G from every corner,” clearly indicating that the 5G signals experienced by users are undoubtedly from Viettel, the country’s largest network provider.

On a Facebook post featuring a vibrant red flyer introducing Viettel’s 5G, user Đ. N.D asked, “Is everyone ready?” The comments section was filled with affirmations of Viettel’s 5G presence in various locations: “Binh Duong is hanging ads everywhere,” “Times is full of 5G, bro,” while user Lê Đình Luân posted a screenshot of his 5G speed test, commenting, “Pretty fast, bro.” Meanwhile, user Đào Đức Mạnh couldn’t contain his excitement, saying, “For real, bro? I’ve been waiting to try it for so long.”

On a well-known forum for tech enthusiasts, a thread titled “Using Viettel’s REAL 5G in Ho Chi Minh City…” attracted significant attention, with forum members actively discussing coverage areas, 5G plans, and more.

Forum member Bukkybois12 shared: “135,000 VND = 5 euros for 4GB/day is such a great deal! In the EU, carriers offer 280,000 VND/month for only 5GB/month, but calls and texts are completely free.”

XuyenViet2019 commented: “I use eSim, and I don’t need to register anything to access 5G every day. It’s available everywhere in my district.”

Midpham proudly displayed a screenshot of their 5G signal test, stating, “I live right next to a signal tower, so I’ve been enjoying free 5G for almost half a year during their test period.”

When Can Vietnamese Users Access “Real” 5G?

Following Viettel’s introduction of 5G plans and vigorous preparatory activities for the official launch, the remaining two major network providers also announced their trial programs for October and November, stating that they are “focusing on completing the necessary tasks to commercialize 5G.”

One of the providers shared that their 5G trial program will run from October 13 to November 15, and users with 5G-capable phones will receive an invitation to experience the service when they pass through areas with 5G coverage.

Viettel is the first network provider to emit signals from enough stations to commercialize 5G as per their commitment.

According to the regulations for enterprises participating in the 5G frequency band auction, network providers committed that within two years of obtaining the frequency band license, they would install a minimum of 3,000 BTS stations. Additionally, they pledged to officially provide 5G services no later than 12 months after receiving the license.

It is worth noting that to officially inaugurate 5G services, network providers must emit signals from a minimum of 30% of the committed number of stations. Currently, Viettel is the only provider that has fulfilled this condition. Recent announcements by some telecommunications companies regarding signal emissions and free 5G usage are still considered experimental and not yet commercialized.

Viettel’s 5G “Takes Over” the Streets of 63 Provinces and Cities

Last weekend, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Viettel Mobile’s official entry into the mobile service industry, vibrant promotional activities were held in 63 provinces and cities, with the 5G logo prominently featured, indicating that the official launch of 5G is imminent. Here are some images captured by our reporters: