The Vietnam Telecommunications Authority is stepping up its 6G development plans as the country’s 5G networks now reach 90% of the population. With more than 40,000 5G base stations already deployed, Vietnam is setting its sights firmly on next-generation connectivity and preparing for 6G trials starting in 2030.
According to a report from the state-run Vietnam News Service, VTA deputy director Nguyen Anh Cuong confirmed that the Ministry of Science and Technology has established a steering committee for 6G research and development. The committee’s purpose is to ensure Vietnam participates in international 6G standards development at an early stage and masters the technology ahead of a planned national 6G rollout beginning in 2030.
Vietnam Expands 5G Coverage Ahead of 6G
Vietnam has made considerable progress in building out its 5G infrastructure since Viettel and Vinaphone launched the country’s first 5G networks in late 2024, followed by MobiFone in April 2025. As of early 2026, the three operators have collectively deployed more than 40,000 5G base stations, delivering coverage to 90% of the population.
Nguyen noted that 250 of those base stations use domestically designed and manufactured equipment. The government intends to increase that figure as deployments continue. Vietnam has set an ambitious target of reaching 99% population coverage with 5G by 2030. Alongside that, the government wants 100% of the population to have access to fibre-optic networks offering speeds of at least 1Gbps by the same year. These infrastructure targets are closely tied to the country’s broader 6G development timeline, as the planned 6G trials are slated to begin in 2030.
6G Research Targets Standards and 2030 Rollout
The establishment of a dedicated steering committee for 6G research signals Vietnam’s commitment to playing an active role in shaping international 6G standards. The goal is not simply to adopt 6G technology once it becomes available globally, but to contribute to its development from the outset. This approach to 6G development reflects the government’s broader strategy of building domestic capability in advanced telecommunications. The planned 6G rollout from 2030 remains a target, with trials expected to begin that year as the country works toward mastering the underlying technology.
Viettel Advances Domestic 6G Equipment Development
Viettel High Tech, the technology arm of Viettel, has been actively pursuing domestic capabilities in both 5G and 6G technology. At Mobile World Congress 2026, the company signed collaboration agreements with Intel, AMD, ID Quantique and Qualcomm as part of its roadmap to commercialise its own 6G equipment by 2029.
More recently, Viettel became Qualcomm’s first global partner for the 6G Early Access programme. That programme was established to create a clear, milestone-driven roadmap for delivering commercial 6G systems starting in 2029. This partnership positions Viettel High Tech as a contributor to the broader 6G development effort rather than solely a consumer of imported technology.
Vietnam’s progress in deploying 5G infrastructure, combined with its early moves into 6G research and standards participation, reflects a clear strategy to build long-term telecom capabilities from within.