The number of internet users in Vietnam is forecast to rise significantly and surpass 100 million by 2029, Mr. Vu Hoang Lien, Chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA), said in his address to Internet Day 2024 in Hanoi on November 27.

With the theme “New Advances for Vietnam’s Internet - Breakthrough with DC, Cloud, 5G & AI”, the event gathered Vietnamese and foreign experts, businesses, and organizations to discuss digital transformation in Vietnam.

Digital infrastructure is now considered a strategic asset akin to transportation and electricity, according to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phuc, Director General of the Department of Telecommunications at the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC).

Investments in advanced technologies like data centers, cloud computing, 5G, and AI are essential for fostering innovation and addressing national challenges. By 2025, Vietnam plans to operate two new undersea cable routes and add eight more by 2030, ensuring robust international bandwidth, he said.

The rollout of 5G technology marks a major milestone for 2024, with major providers like Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone rapidly expanding their networks. By 2025, some providers aim to have 5G coverage, reaching 50 per cent of their 4G infrastructure.

Vietnam encourages the development of AI data centers, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain platforms, laying the groundwork for cost-effective technology adoption.

The MoIC has targeted for every Vietnamese citizen to have an average of four IoT connections by 2030, marking a significant step forward in connecting devices, collecting data, and implementing smart automation across various fields.