Viettel pioneers in testing 4G services

The Hanoitimes - The military-run telecoms group, Viettel, o­n May 12 has become the first network operator in the nation to allow its customers to use the fourth generation (4G) technology o­n a trial basis.

From May 12 to August 31, 240 Viettel mobile subscribers in big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh will be experienced with 4G USB devices to gain access to 4G services. The broadband of 4G technology is around 7 times higher than that of 3G technology.

Viettel Telecom Director, Mr Hoang Son, said the testing and trial use will help the operator in assessing the real capability and working o­n a plan o­n the investment and preparation for the infrastructure to officially supply the service.

Earlier, in September 2010, the Ministry of Information and Communications granted five licenses for the testing of 4G technology to Viettel, VNPT, CMC, FPT and VTC. These services providers will have o­ne or two years to assess the 4G technology and users’ requirements in Vietnam.

Currently, there are about 17 network operators providing 4G services in the world.