While the real benefits of 3G are still being debated, 4G wireless technology is soon to hit the Vietnamese telecommunications market, further adding to the confusion.

3G, third generation telecommunications hardware standards and general technology for mobile networking, was launched in Viet Nam in 2009 by Vinaphone, Mobifone, Viettel and EVN Telecom.

However, most subscribers complain the quality of 3G broadband is low, network coverage is limited and that 3G focuses on mobile internet rather than value-added services (all services beyond standard voice calls and tax transmissions).

Gross revenue in the past year from 3G services has fallen short of mobile service providers’ expectations, according to the Viet Nam Post newspaper, which surveyed 3,200 3G subscribers in Ha Noi and HCM City in the last quarter of 2010.

Meanwhile, mobile operators are promoting 4G, the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards which is 3-10 times faster than 3G.

The Ministry of Information and Communications has granted a 4G-LTE (Long-term evolution) pilot licence to the VNPT, Viettel, FPT, CMC Telecom and VTC.

Despite mixed reactions over 3G, Hoang Manh Cuong, director of CMC Telecom, said 4G technology was a vital trend in modern day telecommunications, and that it needed to be fully embraced by businesses and the public.

However, Minister of Information and Communications Le Doan Hop said it would be impossible for 4G to receive official licensing by next year.

He added that 3G technology was still new to Viet Nam and the benefits of switching to 4G had to be carefully considered.

Source: VNS