On the afternoon of July 9, Lac Viet Partnership Auction Company organized an auction for the rights to use the 3,800 - 3,900 MHz frequency band (C3 band).
The re-auction for the rights to use the 3,800 - 3,900 MHz frequency band took place on the afternoon of July 9. Photo: Trong Dat
On the afternoon of July 9, Lac Viet Partnership Auction Company organized an auction for the rights to use the 3,800 - 3,900 MHz frequency band (C3 band). MobiFone Corporation participated in the auction and emerged as the winning bidder, securing the usage rights for this frequency band.
A MobiFone representative stated that deploying 5G is a top priority for the company and a critical component of their strategy to transition from a traditional telecommunications service provider to a technology corporation. MobiFone has previously conducted 5G trials across various regions in Vietnam, providing initial data to evaluate and develop future network expansion plans.
Securing the C3 band will enable MobiFone to accelerate the commercialization of 5G services nationwide this year. The company plans to enhance services in major cities, airports, tourist spots, and industrial zones. To optimize 5G deployment, MobiFone will implement a model of infrastructure sharing with other telecom operators that have suitable 5G frequency bands. This collaboration aims to optimize resources and deliver the best 5G experience to customers.
The 3,800-3,900 MHz band is allocated for mobile information systems according to IMT-2020 standards and future versions, utilizing time division duplexing (TDD). The starting price for the C3 band was approximately USD 112.5 million, with a bidding increment set at VND 25 billion. The auction was conducted via direct voting, with bids submitted in ascending order. The winning company will receive a license to use the frequency band for 15 years.
At the auction event, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung emphasized the significance of successfully auctioning the C3 band for 5G commercialization. This milestone marks a major step in transitioning from traditional telecommunications infrastructure to digital infrastructure, positively contributing to the country's economic and social development.
"Successfully auctioning the C3 frequency band will increase the total allocated spectrum to 640 MHz, ranking Vietnam 4th among 10 Southeast Asian countries," stated Deputy Minister Nguyen Huy Dung.
Deputy Minister Dung highlighted that 2024 is the year of 5G commercialization. In its initial development phase, 5G requires ultra-broad bandwidth, prioritized investment, and modernization ahead of applications and services. He noted that the Ministry successfully auctioned the B1 band (2,500 - 2,600 MHz) and the C2 band (3,700 - 3,800 MHz) in March 2024, reflecting thorough preparation and active participation from businesses.
Before these auctions, the total IMT spectrum allocated to businesses was 340 MHz, ranking Vietnam 9th out of 10 Southeast Asian countries. The Q1/2024 auction added 200 MHz (B1 and C2 bands), raising the total to 540 MHz, moving Vietnam to 6th place. With the successful auction of the C3 band, the total allocated spectrum increases to 640 MHz, placing Vietnam 4th in Southeast Asia. The Ministry plans another auction in Q4/2024 for the 700 MHz band, potentially bringing the total to 700 MHz, ranking Vietnam 3rd in the region.
Deputy Minister Dung said that the re-auction of the C3 band is vital for efficiently utilizing mid-range spectrum and achieving the goal of having three to four companies providing 5G broadband services. Currently, 5G technology is mature, with more widespread and affordable equipment compared to 2-3 years ago. Vietnamese telecom operators are ready for 5G commercialization.
