Users are indifferent to 5G network after one month of commercialization?

November 15 marks exactly one month since Viettel officially launched its 5G network. According to the latest data updated 2 weeks ago, the number of 5G users of this network in Vietnam has reached 3 million.

This number is largely thanks to the automatic conversion from 4G, helping users with 5G-enabled devices and in coverage areas to easily experience it without having to register or change SIMs.

This approach has helped boost subscription numbers, but some experts say that this figure does not fully reflect the true level of user interest, as many people are simply automatically switched to 5G when they are in coverage areas without any real need. In addition, although it is not mandatory to change packages, Viettel also said that hundreds of thousands of subscribers have registered for 5G packages.

However, after one month of official commercial deployment, the 5G network in Vietnam did not receive the warm reception from users as initially predicted.

Users are "indifferent" to the new generation of networks

Through a quick survey, although the network operator has invested heavily in promotion and upgrading infrastructure, user response is still indifferent and hesitant.

Ms. LH (Hoai Duc, Hanoi) shared that although she knows there is a new 5G network, she will still use 4G because she doesn't think it's really necessary to upgrade and has no intention of trying it.

Mr. TH (Ba Dinh, Hanoi) shared that he is still loyal to the 4G network. "I had to switch to the 4G network because 5G made my phone overheat and consume battery, and the speed was not as expected."

Mr. HMH (Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi) said: "I registered for Viettel's 5G160B package, although the price is very reasonable, the network is still quite unstable when I have to move a lot for work."

Mr. HS (Dong Da, Hanoi) is excited about the new 5G network. Mr. HS shared that as soon as the free trial of Viettel's 5G network ended, he registered to continue using it. "I find the new 5G network very fast but needs wider coverage."

According to data from the SocialHeat Social Media Listening Platform (YouNet Media), from October 15 to November 15, 2024, there were 53,776 discussions (an increase of 178% compared to the previous month) and 111,128 interactions on social networks related to the topic of 5G networks. However, the number of discussions only increased from October 12 to 18 and then decreased sharply in the following weeks.

One of the main reasons why users are not enthusiastic about 5G is the unclear difference in speed and experience between 4G and 5G. While 5G promises much higher speeds and better device connectivity, ordinary users often do not feel much difference in everyday tasks such as watching videos, surfing the web or using social networks. In fact, common consumer applications still run smoothly on 4G, making the upgrade to 5G less urgent.

Cost is another major factor that deters users. 5G service is still more expensive than 4G at this point, and not everyone is willing to pay extra for a service they don’t see as necessary.

In addition, 5G coverage in Vietnam is still limited, mainly in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Users in remote provinces and rural areas have almost no chance to experience 5G networks, making their demand and interest in this new technology even less.

Another factor is the lack of breakthrough applications and services that truly take advantage of 5G’s potential. While the technology opens up opportunities for areas such as virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), there are currently no products that meet clear needs for consumers.

This is in contrast to markets like South Korea or the US, where virtual reality gaming applications, smart transportation and online interactive services have created great incentives for users to switch to 5G.

How will 5G smartphone sales be after commercialization?

According to several major phone retailers, 5G phone sales have seen some growth over the past few years, especially around new product launches. However, overall, 5G phone consumption in Vietnam is still growing more slowly than expected.

At present, the 5G network has only been deployed in some major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. With this limited coverage, users in many other provinces and cities have not been able to fully experience the new technology, making owning a 5G phone less attractive.

A representative of a retail unit assessed that the sales of smartphones with 5G features in the past month increased strongly because it coincided with the time when the iPhone 16 Series was officially distributed in Vietnam. All four new Apple phone models have 5G features and are "sold out" at distributors. "In general, users buy new iPhones not because of the 5G feature that has been available in Vietnam recently," this representative shared.

A representative of Mobile World commented: "Compared to the same period last quarter, since 5G was commercialized, sales of 5G-enabled smartphones have grown slightly across the system and across multiple channels. In particular, for Samsung phones that support 5G, the Galaxy A55 5G model increased by about 5%; Galaxy S24 Ultra increased by 3% over the same period. In particular, the Galaxy A 5G series all grew well and received much attention from users. In addition, other smartphone lines such as OPPO A series and Redmi that support 5G also recorded positive sales. For example, Redmi 14C increased by 3%; Redmi Note 13 increased by 5%; OPPO A Series increased by 5%; OPPO Reno12 F increased by 3%".

Mr. Nguyen The Kha - Commercial Director, FPT Shop System also said that recently, FPT Shop has recorded higher growth for the group of phones equipped with 5G compared to the average growth rate. "This can be seen as partly due to the impact of buying 5G-equipped products for immediate use and especially long-term use when 5G is widely and stably broadcast".

FPT Shop representative also commented that most of the current mid-range and high-end phones are already equipped with 5G, so basically when buying, customers will consider moving from the mid-range price segment to the high-end and high-end segment if they prioritize using 5G in the long term.

Mr. Nguyen Lac Huy - Representative of CellphoneS shared: "After one month of commercializing 5G, we have not seen any growth in 5G phone models. There is even a slight decline of up to 10% in the total number of phones sold because the need for customers to change phones from 2G has stopped".

According to experts, although the current user response is somewhat unoptimistic, the prospect of 5G network in Vietnam is still expected to be bright as the digital economy continues to develop. Increasing 5G coverage and providing services at more reasonable prices may be the decisive factors to attract user interest in the future.