HCMC – Vietnam is set to surpass 100 million internet users by 2029, driven by rapid digital transformation and adoption of advanced technologies, according to Vu Hoang Lien, chairman of the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA).
The projection was shared at Internet Day 2024, recently held in Hanoi by VIA and the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).
In 2008, Vietnam had 20 million internet users, accounting for 24% of the population. By 2014, this figure exceeded 40%. Each phase of internet development reflects technological and cultural shifts in Vietnam, said Lien.
Nguyen Thanh Phuc, director of the Telecommunications Authority under the MIC, underscored the critical role of digital infrastructure alongside traditional systems like transport and energy. He stressed the need to enhance international connectivity, with plans for two new undersea cables by 2025 to reduce disruption risks.
Vietnam’s 5G deployment is also advancing, led by major telecom providers Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone. By 2025, some providers aim to achieve 50% 5G coverage of their current 4G networks.
The country’s strategy includes expanding fiber-optic internet for households, broadening high-speed network access, and fostering artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) technologies.
The MIC encourages investment in large-scale data centers and platforms supporting cybersecurity, blockchain, and big data.
