Viettel, Vietnam’s largest mobile operator by subscriptions, has expanded its 5G trials to the mountainous province of Vinh Phuc, northwest of Hanoi. The region has become the ninth location to experience Viettel’s 5G trial service, alongside Hanoi, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Phuoc, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Thua Thien Hue and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Customers are able to access the 5G service free of charge in the test areas, and can reportedly access average download speeds of between 500Mbps and 700Mbps, although peak speeds of up to 1Gbps can been achieved.
In a further development, Viettel has become the latest cellco to secure approval to pilot mobile money services nationwide, reports Vietnamnet. Under the trial scheme, customers will be able to use their telecoms accounts to perform financial transactions, including paying for goods and services, and transferring, depositing and withdrawing money.