Viettel High Tech and the Journey to Bring Open RAN Technology to the World
Viettel High Tech’s 5G Open RAN technology is increasingly establishing its footprint on the international stage. From being highly praised by the leading global telecom platform Light Reading to deploying private 5G networks in Nigeria, Viettel is demonstrating a strategic and proactive approach to advancing high-tech solutions globally.
Viettel Blends Domestic Capabilities with U.S. Technology
Recently, Light Reading—a premier U.S.-based telecom publication—featured a prominent article titled “Vietnam has become a big deal for Qualcomm in 5G RAN,” highlighting Vietnam’s growing influence in the global 5G ecosystem, with Viettel playing a pivotal role.
Recognized as one of the industry’s most influential publications, Light Reading regularly reports on key trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the global telecom landscape. Viettel’s notable presence in the publication underscores the rising stature and credibility of Vietnamese enterprises in the global telecommunications arena.
The article notes that Viettel has emerged as one of Qualcomm’s most strategic partners in commercializing Open RAN-based 5G Radio Access Network (RAN). Viettel High Tech, with its core 5G software development capabilities, is a crucial link in delivering a “Make in Vietnam” 5G network—where Viettel-developed software is integrated with Qualcomm’s low-latency acceleration hardware.
Vietnam’s youthful talent pool and its open approach to research and development are increasingly attracting major global tech players. In this context, Viettel holds a distinct advantage with its vast scale, robust human resources, and extensive infrastructure network.
Gerardo Giaretta, Senior Director of 5G Infrastructure at Qualcomm, was quoted in Light Reading saying: “They have an internal development team and a group of talented, ambitious engineers.”
With a strategy centered on developing domestic technology while integrating solutions from global partners like Qualcomm, Viettel is seen as one of the few telecom operators adopting a bold and unique approach to 5G deployment. According to Light Reading, Viettel stands out as a rare example of a telecom company developing its own network technology—where most of the operational software originates from Viettel High Tech, its core R&D unit. This marks a significant leap beyond the mainstream deployment practices of most telecom operators.
Viettel’s 5G Expands Internationally
In Nigeria, the media has highlighted Viettel’s practical 5G deployment efforts, particularly its collaboration with Casade Defence Systems—a leading Nigerian enterprise—to launch the country’s first private 5G network. This partnership is expected to usher in a new era of high-speed, stable, and modern internet connectivity for the Nigerian population.
Business Africa Digest quoted Professor John Ifediora, Chairman of Casade Defence Systems, as saying that Viettel’s 5G Private solution is already in use in Vietnam and several Southeast Asian nations. He emphasized that this advanced technology is now poised for global expansion, particularly targeting Africa, including remote, coastal, and underserved communities in Nigeria. Africa stands to leverage this technology to bridge the digital divide, boost economic growth, and drive industrialization.
Light Reading also emphasized that Viettel’s success in Vietnam could serve as a springboard for global expansion—for both Viettel and Qualcomm. Viettel currently operates in markets such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Mozambique, and Peru, where 5G adoption remains limited. This opens up significant opportunities for Viettel to replicate its self-developed 5G model across new markets.
Speaking at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit held recently in Vietnam, Mr. Trần Văn Tùng, Deputy Director of Viettel’s Broadband Wireless Center, shared the company’s journey in mastering Open RAN and 5G technology. Initially focused on 4G infrastructure, Viettel shifted to 5G research and development in 2018 with a clear strategic vision. Despite not being an early mover, Viettel High Tech has emerged as a pioneer in core technology R&D. Open RAN, he noted, is not just a technical solution, but also a foundation for collaboration among telecom operators, businesses, research institutions, and governments. With early access to advanced chipsets through partnerships with Qualcomm and other tech leaders, Viettel High Tech has become one of the world’s leading Open RAN manufacturers.
Previously, during the commercial launch of Viettel’s 5G O-RAN stations in late 2024, Mr. Nguyễn Vũ Hà, CEO of Viettel High Tech, emphasized that the company has completed a full suite of 5G solutions—from core networks to radio units (RAN). As part of the group’s global strategy, Viettel High Tech aims to gradually expand into international markets. Vietnam will serve as the foundation for scaling Viettel’s “Made by Viettel” 5G products worldwide. “In 2025, we plan to deploy 2,000 Open RAN 5G stations across Vietnam,” he stated. “In parallel with domestic efforts, we will actively promote our 5G products abroad, including in India and high-potential markets such as the Middle East.”
According to Mr. Hà, while many telecom companies are producing Open RAN-based wireless networks, few have complete end-to-end mastery—from baseband processing to radio processing—with Open RAN compatibility like Viettel High Tech. This allows the company to fully customize its products based on client needs.
