At the 5G Open RAN Connect conference held at the Viettel High Tech headquarters in Hanoi, Viettel announced the commercial launch of its Open RAN (O-RAN) 5G Network, featuring key equipment developed in-house. This marks the world’s first O-RAN 5G network utilizing Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G RAN platforms. Viettel is deploying over 300 sites across various Vietnamese provinces by Q1 2025, with the potential for thousands more as part of nationwide and international expansion plans in 2025 and beyond. This milestone positions Viettel as a leading advocate in the O-RAN community and makes it one of the largest carriers to launch a commercial O-RAN network.
Initial gNodeBs deployed in Hanoi City and Ha Nam Province have demonstrated strong performance, showcasing the benefits of O-RAN technology. Key performance indicators, including download and upload speeds, coverage, capacity, and power consumption, are comparable to traditional networks while significantly reducing infrastructure costs. Viettel’s Distributed Units (DUs) use inline accelerators to offload compute-intensive baseband tasks like Massive MIMO processing from DU servers. This approach reduces capital expenditure by requiring fewer CPU cores and enhancing power efficiency. The Radio Units (RUs) support O-RAN compliant 32TR Massive MIMO capabilities, enhancing network capacity, performance, and energy efficiency. Viettel DU utilizes the Qualcomm X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card and the RU utilizes the Qualcomm QRU100 5G RAN platform. Combining Qualcomm Technologies’ advanced chipset platforms, together with Viettel’s expertise in network optimization and deployment, is a groundbreaking accomplishment and provides numerous benefits. The commercial O-RAN deployment stems from a successful collaboration announced in May 2022. Moving from concept to large-scale commercial launch in this timeframe exemplifies the innovation and dedication of both companies and underscores the potential within the broader O-RAN ecosystem.
Beyond the DU and RU, this collaboration includes the development of premium RAN automation, management and orchestration solutions. Viettel combines its Element Management System (EMS) with the Qualcomm Edgewise™ Suite to streamline management of heterogeneous networks spanning multiple vendors, cellular generations and architecture using a common platform. This helps simplify daily operations, reduces TCO and facilitates a smooth path to network modernization.
With this 5G Open RAN commercialization, Viettel completes its end-to-end 5G product suite, covering everything from core networks to RAN elements. This solution addresses both public and private network demands, offering operators a high-quality, Open RAN-compliant 5G network and fostering a sustainable vendor ecosystem. The Massive MIMO Distributed Units and Radio Units of this commercial network are fully compliant with Open RAN standards, as defined by the O-RAN Alliance.
“Viettel’s 5G Open RAN solutions have achieved commercial-grade maturity after an intensive development process and rigorous testing,” said 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 reduce 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.”
Durga Malladi, SVP & GM, Technology Planning & Edge Solutions, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said: “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.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the telecommunications industry and enabling operators to deliver enhanced 5G experience. By leveraging our advanced technology, Viettel’s O-RAN Radio Units, Distributed Units as well as 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.”
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: “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. 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 for the world as a whole. This is a testament to Viettel and Qualcomm Technologies’ innovative leadership in accelerating the future of connectivity.”
