Just as Japan wraps up testing on its brand-new 5G network, the 4G service Vietnam has been talking about since 2013 is finally here.
Beginning today, Vung Tau residents will have the opportunity to test out Viettel's 4G service, reports Zing. The telecommunications giant has set up 200 4G stations in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province and will be allowing customers to experience the service both in Vung Tau proper and around Long Dien District.
Viettel customers who wish to experience the service, whose average speed is over seven times faster than 3G, will be able to change SIM cards free of charge.
During the first week of the trial, from December 12-18, Viettel will set up six locations in shopping malls, supermarkets and large Viettel stores around Ba Ria-Vung Tau. CEO of Viettel Telecom Nguyen Viet Dung told Zing its network will be ready for use as soon as the official government licensing comes through.
The race to become Vietnam's first 4G provider has been an interesting one. In September, Viettel officially announced that it would offer 4G service by the end of this year. No sooner had the company made this statement than Vinaphone threw its hat in the ring, one-upping Viettel by promising that new SIM cards would not be required to access its 4G service.
Judging by recent events, it seems Viettel will be successful in its quest to become number one, as neither Vinaphone or Mobifone – the other major players in Vietnam's telecommunications industry – have launched their own trial versions.
Vinaphone is nearly there and will be providing its own trial “very soon”, a company representative told Zing. Apparently, Vinaphone staff have already tested the service, however no word yet from Mobifone on whether their 4G service is on the way.
As for Viettel, the company aims to have 12,000 4G stations up and running nationwide within the first quarter of 2016.
[Photo via VietnamNet]
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