At the 6th ASEAN 5G Conference held on October 27 in northern Ninh Binh province, as part of Vietnam International Digital Week 2025, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy emphasized that 5G is not only a crucial infrastructure for the digital economy but also a significant driver for AI development, enabling AI to be more widely deployed thanks to ultra-fast connectivity, extremely low latency, and real-time data processing capabilities.
Conversely, according to Mr. Duy, AI is the factor that helps optimize 5G networks, from traffic management, energy saving, demand forecasting, to improving operational efficiency and service quality. The complementary two-way relationship between 5G and AI is a key to unlocking an intelligent and sustainable digital ecosystem, where technology better serves people and society.
In recent years, Vietnam has continuously made efforts in developing, testing, and commercializing 5G technology, while promoting research, application, and governance of AI, with the support of major technology corporations such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Viettel, VNPT, MobiFone, and close cooperation within the ASEAN region.
"Vietnam is expected to lead the formation of a dynamic and innovative 5G - AI ecosystem," Deputy Minister Duy stated. "The Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam is committed to continuing to accompany, support, and promote international cooperation, contributing positively to the development of a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN digital community."
Mr. Le Van Tuan, Director of the Authority of Radio Frequency Management, shared experiences that Vietnam's success is demonstrated by the leap in mobile Internet speed, thanks to providing sufficient spectrum (100 MHz mid-band and 700 MHz low-band), while maintaining spectrum costs at a reasonable level, accounting for only about 6 per cent of network operators' revenue. He recommends that ASEAN maintain spectrum costs at 5-7 per cent of revenue, while preparing early for the IMT-2030/6G phase, especially in the 6425–7125 MHz band.
Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), Mr. Masanori Kondo, pointed out four main challenges in 5G deployment: progress disparity between countries, commercialization difficulties, urban-rural digital divide, and high spectrum costs.
Accordingly, to unlock the potential of 5G and prepare for 6G/IMT-2030, APT calls for increased policy cooperation, spectrum harmonization, and promotion of international standards, aiming for comprehensive connectivity in the new era. At the same time, it is committed to promoting digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming for an open, connected, creative, inclusive, safe, and sustainable digital future for everyone.
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