Vietnam’s 5G rollout has attracted attention because it combined speed with low cost. Understanding how the country achieved this can help other nations plan their own networks.

By the end of the quarter, telecom operators had installed 60,034 5G base stations, reaching 93.4% of the population. This massive network quickly gave most Vietnamese access to high‑speed mobile service.

Commercial 5G services started in October 2024, and the military‑run carrier Viettel took the lead in the market, followed by state‑owned VNPT VinaPhone and MobiFone. The early launch set the stage for rapid nationwide coverage.

Deputy director Nguyen Anh Cuong said Vietnam’s 5G rollout is among the quickest worldwide, while many developed economies need two to three years to reach 80% coverage. He also noted that early base stations cost about US$50,000 each, but waiting allowed a discount of around US$30,000 per station.

Domestically manufactured equipment accounts for a substantial share of the more than 60,000 base stations. Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Khuong described this achievement as proof that a "smart follower" strategy can deliver fast, cost‑effective network expansion.