GSMA Digital Nations Summit 2025: Viettel Highlights Vietnam’s Tech Leadership on the Global Stage
Hanoi, April 12, 2025 – The GSMA Digital Nations Summit took place with the participation of government leaders, top telecom corporations, and tech experts from across the Asia-Pacific region. With the theme “Advancing Digital Transformation for an Innovative and Inclusive Vietnam,” the summit spotlighted strategic technologies such as 5G, AI, Open Gateway, and Open RAN, emphasizing the critical role of telecom operators in building a trustworthy, innovative, and inclusive digital ecosystem.
The event featured in-depth panel discussions covering national connectivity, data security, 5G applications in healthcare and manufacturing, and how AI and Open RAN are redefining the future of telecommunications. Industry leaders like Ericsson, Qualcomm, Pegatron, Lynk Global, apoQlar, Robocore, HPE, Nokia, ADT Global, and representatives from Viettel, Mobifone, LG Uplus, KPMG, and other international organizations took part.
Viettel: Driving Vietnam’s Digital Infrastructure
In the opening session “Connecting Vietnam,” Mr. Nguyễn Đạt, Deputy General Director of Viettel Group, emphasized that telecom infrastructure is at the heart of Vietnam’s national digital strategy. With 4G coverage reaching 98% of the population, Viettel is now accelerating 5G deployment as a key enabler of the digital economy. To date, over 6,000 5G sites have been rolled out, with positive signs in subscriber-based revenues—indicating strong momentum toward commercialization.
Mastering Open RAN and 5G – The Viettel High Tech Journey
One of the summit’s highlights was the session “Shaping the Future of Networks with OpenRAN Innovation.” Mr. Trần Văn Tùng, Deputy Director of Viettel High Tech’s Broadband Wireless Center, shared how Viettel transitioned from developing 4G infrastructure to taking on 5G R&D as early as 2018.
Despite not being an early mover, Viettel High Tech has emerged as a global leader in Open RAN innovation. With strategic support from partners like Qualcomm, Viettel gained early access to advanced chipsets and is now among the top Open RAN equipment manufacturers worldwide.
“We move fast, but the journey is not easy,” Mr. Tùng noted. “Wireless technologies still have many gaps that we must independently research and solve. With just a few hundred engineers, Viettel High Tech creates impact through focus and clear strategic direction.”
Reaching Beyond Vietnam
Viettel’s vision extends beyond national borders. Its Open RAN solutions are already deployed in India and the UAE, with plans to enter challenging markets like Japan and the United States. Mr. Tùng expressed hopes for government support in establishing Open RAN testing centers in Vietnam, modeled after facilities in Singapore and South Korea, to enable further innovation and export readiness.
He also highlighted GSMA’s pivotal role in bridging the global technology gap and accelerating digital transformation in developing nations.
Beyond Theory – Real Deployment, Real Impact
Closing the discussion, Mr. Tùng reaffirmed Viettel’s commitment:
“We don’t just do tech in theory—we build, deploy, and master the entire value chain, from R&D and manufacturing to operations.”
The GSMA Digital Nations Summit continues on April 15, featuring more sessions led by regional telecom leaders.
