Viettel launches the world's first O-RAN 5G network, powered by Qualcomm 5G RAN Platforms
The collaboration between Viettel and Qualcomm aims to enhance Vietnam’s 5G capabilities with plans for rapid expansion domestically and internationally.
During the 5G Open RAN Connect conference at Viettel High Tech headquarters in Hanoi, Viettel announced the launch of its Open RAN (O-RAN) 5G network, marking a world-first in O-RAN technology using Qualcomm's 5G RAN platforms.
The initial rollout covers over 300 sites across various Vietnamese provinces, with plans for thousands more as part of Viettel’s domestic and international expansion in 2025 and beyond. This positions Viettel as a leader in the O-RAN community and makes it one of the largest carriers to launch a commercial O-RAN network.
The first sites in Hanoi and northern Ha Nam province have demonstrated impressive performance, highlighting the advantages of O-RAN technology. Key metrics such as download and upload speeds, coverage, and energy efficiency match or exceed traditional networks while reducing infrastructure costs. Viettel’s Distributed Units (DUs) employ inline accelerators to handle compute-intensive baseband functions, such as Massive MIMO, reducing both capital expenditure and power usage. The Radio Units (RUs) support 32TR Massive MIMO capabilities, meeting Open RAN standards and boosting network capacity, performance, and energy efficiency. The commercial O-RAN rollout builds on a partnership announced in May 2022. Moving from concept to large-scale deployment within this period highlights both companies’ commitment to accelerating the growth of O-RAN in Vietnam and globally.
Beyond deploying DUs and RUs, this collaboration includes premium RAN automation and management solutions. Viettel's Element Management System (EMS), combined with Qualcomm Edgewise™ Suite, streamlines the management of complex networks that span multiple vendors and technologies. This approach lowers operational costs, simplifies daily operations, and supports network modernization.
With this 5G Open RAN launch, Viettel completes its end-to-end 5G product line, offering solutions that meet both public and private network needs. Its Open RAN-compliant network supports a sustainable, competitive ecosystem of vendors and provides high-quality 5G connectivity for operators.
“Viettel’s 5G Open RAN solutions have reached commercial-grade maturity after an intensive development process and rigorous testing,” said Mr. Nguyen Vu Ha, CEO of Viettel High Tech. “Qualcomm Technologies has been a pivotal collaborator in our journey toward 5G commercialization, making substantial contributions that accelerate our network deployment in Vietnam. I believe this collaboration will help both parties shorten the product development cycle by several years. This collaboration also aims to deliver high-quality, cost-effective 5G solutions for international markets and to build a sustainable ecosystem.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Viettel on the launch of the first commercial O-RAN network utilizing Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge 5G RAN solutions,” said Mr. Durga Malladi, SVP & GM of Technology Planning & Edge Solutions at Qualcomm Technologies. “This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the telecommunications industry and enabling operators to deliver an enhanced 5G experience. By leveraging our advanced technology, Viettel’s O-RAN RUs, DUs, and RAN management with the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite, Qualcomm Technologies and Viettel are empowering greater network flexibility, efficiency, and performance, ultimately transforming the way people connect and communicate."
“With its fully disaggregated, software-based architecture, Open RAN presents a transformative opportunity for the mobile industry to accelerate network innovation, enhance competition, and enable sustainable infrastructure deployment,” said Mr. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA. “As one of the first operators to deploy Open RAN at scale, Viettel is setting a strong example for the industry, not just in Asia Pacific but globally. This is a testament to Viettel and Qualcomm Technologies’ innovative leadership in advancing the future of connectivity.”
