The 5G Infrastructure Revolution: Empowering Users to Become Platform Builders

With 5G, Viettel has shifted from the traditional turnkey model of previous generations to taking full control of core technology. The success of Telco Cloud, coupled with recognition from leading global technology organizations, solidifies Viettel’s role as a pioneer in the digital infrastructure era.

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The Exclusive “Black Box” Story: Transitioning to an Open Ecosystem

Historically, telecom operators relied on foreign vendors for full-stack solutions to deploy their networks. While this approach ensured rapid implementation, it fostered dependency, limiting cost optimization, upgrade flexibility, and customization to meet Vietnam’s market demands and operators’ unique needs.

With the advent of 5G, Viettel made a strategic shift to a Cloud Native architecture, taking full control of its Telco Cloud development. This move enables Viettel to virtualize its network infrastructure on standard physical servers. Core mobile services (voice, data, SMS) now operate seamlessly on a cloud platform designed, built, and mastered entirely by Viettel’s team.

By mid-2025, Viettel’s lab successfully piloted a miniaturized 5G network ecosystem on its “Make in Vietnam” Telco Cloud. The integration of the 5G Core module into this infrastructure marked a significant milestone. The platform’s technological maturity has also attracted global tech giants like Ericsson and Nokia to collaborate, testing their core network applications on Viettel’s cloud. This new model shifts foreign vendors’ roles from full-stack providers to hardware suppliers operating on Viettel’s infrastructure.

Viettel engineers deploy, install, and operate 5G base stations, showcasing mastery over next-gen telecom infrastructure.

Viettel’s Telco Cloud ambitions gained momentum through elevated memberships in leading global tech organizations like OpenInfra Foundation (OIF), Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), and Linux Foundation (LF). Achieving Platinum status at OIF and Gold at CNCF grants Viettel engineers early access to cutting-edge technologies before global release, further solidifying their expertise.

This transition to a Viettel-led Telco Cloud enhances national security and user experience. By controlling core technologies, Viettel eliminates “Vendor Lock-in” risks, ensuring network and customer data security from the ground up. With a clear roadmap, Viettel is steadily realizing its vision of a “Made by Viettel” telecom infrastructure. Combining Telco Cloud autonomy with leadership in international open-source communities positions Viettel not just as a service provider, but as a foundational technology innovator.

Vietnam’s National Carrier Offers Exclusive 5G and Device Upgrade Deals

In early December 2025, Viettel announced the deployment of over 20,000 new 5G base stations, surpassing its government commitment by three weeks. By year-end, Viettel’s total 5G stations are expected to reach 30,000, covering 90% of Vietnam’s outdoor areas. Notably, Viettel is the only Vietnamese company to deploy a 5G SA (Standalone) network, a complete 5G architecture enabling theoretical speeds up to 10Gbps—15-20 times faster than 4G in real-world conditions.

The Ministry of Science and Technology certifies Viettel’s nationwide deployment of over 20,700 5G base stations.

Viettel’s 5G infrastructure has been officially certified by state authorities for meeting stringent quality and technical standards. All 20,700+ stations ensure stable, secure operations for users nationwide.

Over 2,000 new “Make in Vietnam” 5G stations comply with O-RAN standards, reflecting Viettel’s commitment to an open, flexible, and globally compatible network infrastructure.

Despite its extensive high-speed 5G network, Viettel offers affordable plans starting at 100,000 VND. To encourage 5G adoption, Viettel launched the “Surf 5G – Win Surprises” campaign (18/09/2025 – 31/12/2025), rewarding monthly or long-term 5G subscribers with raffle entries. Prizes include 306 iPhone 17 units and 918 Samsung Galaxy A06 5G devices.

The “Trade-In Upgrade” program targets OPPO users with non-4G/5G-enabled devices, offering a 25% discount on new phones when trading in at Viettel Stores. Participants receive 8GB daily data and 5 minutes of on-net calls for 7 days. Each subscriber qualifies once per campaign.

Viettel introduces enticing offers to accelerate 5G adoption among customers.

Customers purchasing an iPhone 16e with a 12-month 5G plan receive a 4.5 million VND discount (starting at 12,490,000 VND) at Viettel Stores and CellphoneS. Plans range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND/month until 30/06/2026, with flexible payment options.

Existing 4G users upgrading to 5G devices receive 15GB free data (for non-5G users in the past 3 months). Simply text “5G” to 191 to participate (12/11/2025 – 31/12/2025).

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