Vietnam’s win at the GSMA Government Leadership Award at MWC 26 highlights a government that has paired clear digital ambitions with real, timely delivery. Over the past two years, Vietnam has taken deliberate steps to accelerate its digital transformation—steps that industry partners increasingly recognise as practical, coordinated and effective.
A bold national vision, backed by action
The government has moved quickly on telecom reform. Targets such as nationwide fibre coverage, 5G in all provinces and mobile broadband across major transport routes are no longer long‑term aspirations. They are tied to updated public-private partnership (PPP) rules, higher infrastructure investment and a Telecommunications Law that opens the market to cloud and data‑centre providers while reducing licensing barriers.
Regulators have also shifted how they work with industry. Consultations are more transparent, timelines are published, and operators say policy discussions now reflect operational realities.
A model approach to spectrum management
This shift is most visible in spectrum policy. After revisiting prices in 2023, Vietnam reassigned the 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 700 MHz bands—more than doubling mobile spectrum and unlocking genuine 5G rollout. The government has gone further by reinvesting auction revenues into national connectivity goals, including subsidies that cover up to 15% of 5G base‑station costs for operators that meet rollout targets. This creates a circular system in which public revenue directly funds public outcomes, ensuring that spectrum decisions translate into improved network quality and coverage.
Vietnam is also planning ahead. The regulator has already identified additional 3.5 GHz capacity and the full upper 6 GHz band as part of its long‑term roadmap, laying the groundwork for deeper 5G coverage and an early transition to 6G.
Digital inclusion at national scale
Digital inclusion has advanced alongside infrastructure. More than 93,000 community teams are helping people nationwide build digital skills, and targeted programmes support rural workers, women, older citizens and people with disabilities. The National Innovation Centre is preparing students and teachers with AI and digital training to ensure the benefits of connectivity reach future workers.
Vietnam’s digital progress is now influencing broader development priorities. Mobile‑enabled early‑warning systems support climate resilience, digital agriculture tools boost rural productivity, and mobile money extends financial access to communities previously left outside the formal system.
Fuelling innovation today—and preparing for tomorrow
Innovation is gaining momentum too. Commercial 5G services launched at the end of 2024. Open RAN pilots are giving local firms more opportunities, while the national 6G Task Force signals early preparation for technologies on the horizon.
Vietnam earned the MWC Government Leadership Award for delivering on its promises. Consistent targets, predictable regulation, practical spectrum decisions and an inclusive digital agenda are already producing visible benefits across communities, businesses and the wider economy—positioning Vietnam as one of the most dynamic digital policy leaders in Asia‑Pacific.