The fifth generation of cellular mobile technology promises superior speed, higher bandwidth and better responsiveness.
According to the newly elected Minister of Information Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnam is aiming to be one of the first countries to apply the fifth generation (5G) of mobile technology, Zing reports. The testing phases will begin in 2019 and the network is expected to officially launch in 2020.
"The 5G technology is approaching and it's an opportunity for Vietnam to elevate its ranking on the global stage. If we want to do that, we have to be a pioneer," said Hung during a conference on innovation.
The move ties in with Vietnam's plan to get ahead in the so-called fourth industrial revolution, which is a blanket term for the integration of technology into physical, digital and biological spheres. The fourth industrial revolution is characterized by fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, nanotechnology and quantum computing. The development of the 5G network will serve as a backbone for these emerging technologies to operate.
Four telecoms companies including Viettel, Mobifone, Vietnamobile and Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) will receive 5G testing licenses as early as January.
In the meantime, VNPT is collaborating with Nokia to develop telecommunication technology including 5G. Likewise, Mobifone and Samsung is teaming up to enhance engineering and commercial cooperation in 4G and 5G network.
In July, the country's first demonstration of 5G technology was held by Ericsson with the support of Vietnam Authority of Radio Frequency Management.
