Viettel launches world's first O-RAN 5G network using Qualcomm chipset platforms

Viettel has announced the commercial launch of its Open RAN (O-RAN) 5G Network, featuring key equipment developed in-house, marking the world's first O-RAN 5G network utilizing Qualcomm Technologies' 5G RAN platforms.

Viettel, which stands for Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, is deploying over 300 sites across various Vietnamese provinces in early 2025, with the potential for thousands more as part of nationwide and international expansion plans in 2025 and beyond, the military-run tech firm said in a statement.

Open RAN, or Open Radio Access Network, is a shift in the way to designing and deploying radio access network infrastructure in the telecommunications industry.

It aims to disaggregate and open up the Radio Access Network, enabling greater flexibility, interoperability, and innovation in network deployments, and nourish new innovative business opportunities.

Initial gNodeBs deployed in Hanoi and nearby Ha Nam province have demonstrated strong performance, showcasing the benefits of O-RAN technology. Key performance indicators, including download and upload speeds, coverage, capacity, and power consumption, are comparable to traditional networks while significantly reducing infrastructure costs.

Qualcomm's advanced chipset platform, combined with Viettel's expertise in network optimization and deployment, has achieved numerous groundbreaking accomplishments.

With this 5G Open RAN commercialization, Viettel completes its end-to-end 5G product suite, covering everything from core networks to RAN elements.

"Viettel's 5G Open RAN solutions have achieved commercial-grade maturity after an intensive development process and rigorous testing," said Nguyen Vu Ha, CEO of Viettel High Tech.

“Qualcomm Technologies has been a pivotal partner in our journey toward 5G commercialization, making substantial contributions that accelerate our network deployment in Vietnam,” Ha added.

Durga Malladi, SVP & GM, Technology Planning & Edge Solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said: "By leveraging our advanced technology, Viettel's O-RAN Radio Units, Distributed Units as well as RAN management with Qualcomm Edgewise are empowering greater network flexibility, efficiency, and performance, ultimately transforming the way people connect and communicate."

Last month, Viettel launched Vietnam’s first commercial 5G service. It has installed over 6,500 base transceiver stations (BTS) to provide 5G services to all 63 localities in Vietnam, focusing in particular on tourism sites, seaports, airports, industrial parks, hospitals, and schools.