Viettel targets 6G commercial launch by 2029 on deals with global big tech

Vietnam's military-run telecom giant Viettel has outlined a roadmap to build an AI-native telecommunications ecosystem and target commercial deployment of 6G networks by 2029, following the signing of more than 10 cooperation agreements with global technology companies at a global event.

Held under the theme “The IQ Era” in Barcelona, the Mobile World Congress 2026 marked a milestone in Viettel’s push to expand its presence in the global technology landscape. The Vietnamese telecom operator, the only company representing Vietnam at the event, signed strategic agreements with major technology groups including Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Ericsson.

The partnerships focus on developing national strategic technologies such as AI-native telecom networks, 5G advanced infrastructure, and a roadmap toward next-generation 6G systems.

This reflects Viettel’s transition from a traditional connectivity provider into a full-stack technology solutions provider within the global digital ecosystem.

One of the most crucial agreements involves cooperation between Viettel and Qualcomm to develop AI-enabled smart mobile devices.

Under the deal, an Agentic AI solution developed by Viettel engineers will be integrated directly into Qualcomm’s high-end chipsets, enabling a new generation of intelligent devices designed for 5G and future 6G ecosystems.

The two companies previously collaborated to deploy 5G Open RAN devices using Qualcomm’s QRU100 and X100 chipsets in the Vietnamese market, with products later exported to markets including India and the United Arab Emirates.

Looking ahead, Viettel plans to participate in the design phase of 6G network architecture, with the company expected to begin testing pre-commercial equipment in 2028 before moving toward commercial deployment in 2029.

Beyond device development, Viettel’s network infrastructure arm also signed an agreement with Ericsson to apply artificial intelligence in telecom network management and optimization.

The collaboration combines Viettel’s large-scale operational experience with Ericsson’s automation solutions to develop a self-optimizing telecom network capable of automatically detecting faults and adjusting coverage in real time.

At several expert forums during the event, Viettel representatives also participated in discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence on global energy consumption and approaches to building sustainable digital infrastructure.

By developing core technologies and integrating more deeply into the global big tech ecosystem, Viettel aims to strengthen its competitiveness in emerging markets while gradually expanding into more developed regions.

With capabilities in radio equipment, large language models, and telecom network systems, the Vietnamese telecom group views 6G commercialization as the next milestone in Vietnam’s deeper integration into the global telecommunications industry.