The third 5G band in Vietnam has a master

On the afternoon of July 9, the auction of the 3,800-3,900 MHz band (C3 band block) took place, with the winning result belonging to MobiFone Telecommunications Corporation, becoming the third network operator in Vietnam to win the right to use the 5G frequency, after Viettel and VNPT.

According to a representative of MobiFone, owning the above spectrum block is the basis for accelerating the commercialization of 5G services nationwide in 2024. The network operator plans to initially focus on enhancing services in major cities, airport areas, tourist destinations or industrial parks. In addition, MobiFone said it may deploy a model of infrastructure sharing cooperation with other network operators to optimize resources.

"5G deployment is a key content in our development journey and strategy to 2035, transforming from a traditional telecommunications service provider to a technology corporation," MobiFone said.

MobiFone has conducted 5G trials in many locations across the country, providing initial data to evaluate and develop plans for future network expansion.

Previously, in March, Viettel successfully auctioned and won the right to own the B1 band (2,500-2,600 MHz) for both 4G and 5G networks for VND7,533 billion, while VNPT won the auction for block C2 (3,700-3,800 MHz) for VND2,581 billion. The amount MobiFone offered has not been announced, but the starting price of block C3 is at least equal to the winning amount of block C2.

This is the first time Vietnam has successfully organized a frequency auction, 15 years after the Law on Radio Frequency was passed by the National Assembly. According to expert Doan Quang Hoan, Vice President of the Vietnam Radio and Electronics Association, there are two main factors leading to the price difference between frequency bands. B1 has a smaller frequency, equivalent to a wider coverage, thereby helping network operators save on the cost of deploying base stations. In addition, this is also the only frequency band that allows the deployment of both 4G and 5G networks, compared to only 5G in block C, thereby bringing business and deployment value as Vietnam gradually switches from 4G to 5G.

As required, the winning bidder must deploy 5G services within 12 months from the date of licensing and after two years must have at least 3,000 5G broadcasting stations.