Vietnam’s leading mobile operator MobiFone has confirmed that it is one of the four companies that have been awarded four 15-year 3G licences by the Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications. The remaining three winners are military-run Viettel, VNPT-owned Vinaphone and a consortium between EVN Telecom and Hanoi Telecom. GSM-based Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone have dominated Vietnam's mobile phone market. MobiFone, which is also backed by telecoms group VNPT, intends to launch its HSPA-based network in June 2009. It will expand 3G coverage in all 63 cities and provinces within a year since the award of the licence, aiming for 98% coverage later on.

April 2nd 2009, Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications officially announced that MobiFone was successful in the 3G competition. Sooner, MobiFone will prepare bidding procedures necessary for 3G implementation as pledged. MobiFone commits to expanding coverage in every corner of the country and 3G services after 3 months later.

3G coverage in all cities and provinces
Within a year since the date of official announcement, MobiFone will expand 3G coverage in all 63 cities and provinces, then 98% coverage of population later on. This is a strong commitment and aspiration of building the best 3G network in Vietnam based on current 2G technology. MobiFone will give priority from high density areas to suburb rural and high way areas.

2G based infrastructure
Cost effectiveness and fast deployment of 3G, in the first year MobiFone will take advantage of current 2G network, including base stations, antenna, 2G core transmission devices, that also helps customers access 3G services at the soonest.

The best 3G quality network
MobiFone keep promises of providing customers with the best 3G network with HSPA technology and 7.2Mb speed which offers customers surf internet, browse services swiftly. At the press conference of announcement ceremony, Mr. Do Vu Anh - Vice Managing Director of MobiFone shared: "Our commitment of billion dong investment and successful experience in 2G operation in Vietnam, we keep promises of bringing the best 3G services to customers. A new service could possibly be soon launched earlier than scheduled. We are accelerating the service provision timeline for customers".

3G stands for "Third Generation" - a revolutionary technology from narrow band to wide band delivering video, mobile internet and e-commerce at high speech that offers customers to watch film and video call.