• VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile each won a paired 900MHz block in Vietnam's 9 September auction, with total bids exceeding VND3 trillion
  • The spectrum can be reused for newer mobile services after the 2G shutdown, but each operator still has to bring its allocation into service

The Fact

VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile have each secured a paired block of 900MHz spectrum in a Vietnamese government auction worth more than VND3 trillion in total. VNPT won the C3 block, covering 900–905MHz and 945–950MHz, for nearly VND1.079 trillion. Viettel paid nearly VND1.077 trillion for C4, while Vietnamobile paid a similar amount for C5. Each licence will run for 15 years once it takes effect.

The frequencies were previously used for 2G services. Vietnam plans to end GSM operations after 15 September, allowing the band to be used for 4G and later mobile technologies. The auction decides which operator controls each block. It does not mean new coverage or capacity is already available. VNPT, Viettel, and Vietnamobile still need to put the spectrum into use through their own network plans.

The assessment

The auction gives the three operators a clear path to reuse spectrum that is being freed as Vietnam closes its 2G network. Instead of leaving those frequencies tied to an older service, they can now be brought into networks carrying newer mobile traffic.

What happens next will differ by operator. VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile have won blocks of the same size, but they do not have the same networks, customers or rollout plans. The prices paid therefore tell us little about which operator will get the most value from its spectrum.

For BTW readers, the next step is the rollout rather than the auction itself. Operator announcements showing where the 900MHz spectrum is being activated, and for which services, will show how quickly the end of 2G turns into usable capacity for newer networks.

What to watch

Watch for VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile to announce how they will use their new 900MHz blocks after the 2G shutdown. Network upgrades, equipment orders and service launches will show when the licences begin to make a practical difference for customers.