Viettel said at Mobile World Congress 2026 it will research 6G architecture, test pre-commercial systems and equipment in 2028, and prepare commercial rollout from 2029.
2030 is the expected start of global 6G standardisation, pushing countries to move early; Viettel has also joined a Qualcomm-led global alliance aimed at accelerating 6G development from 2029.
VNPT is expanding long-term 6G research and international partnerships, while FPT and VNG are focusing on software, data and AI layers that could strengthen Vietnam’s role in the emerging ecosystem.
Vietnam still faces major hurdles: no official 6G standards or commercial equipment yet, resources remain tied to 5G, and gaps persist in semiconductors, AI, quantum technologies and high-end engineering talent.
ADB economist Nguyen Ba Hung said the early stage of 6G leaves a window for Vietnam to contribute to standards, but only if it concentrates limited resources on selected strengths over the next 5-10 years.
Is Viet Nam's ambitious 6G leap a strategic masterstroke or a costly distraction from fully developing its current 5G infrastructure?
As Viet Nam builds an AI-native 6G network, what safeguards will protect citizens from unprecedented levels of surveillance and data collection?
Can Viet Nam's new semiconductor fabs truly challenge global giants or will they be confined to a niche in the complex supply chain?
Accelerating 6G: Viettel’s Strategic Push for AI-Native Networks and Vietnam’s Global Telecom Rise
Overview
At MWC Barcelona 2026, Viettel Group announced a bold partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., aiming to fast-track 6G development and target a global rollout by 2029. This collaboration centers on jointly developing flagship smartphones, with Qualcomm providing technical support and Viettel focusing on manufacturing and commercialization. Viettel’s vision is to lead the telecommunications industry by accelerating its 6G roadmap, embracing an AI-native future, and building strong global partnerships. These strategic moves position Viettel and Vietnam to become key players in shaping the next generation of mobile technology and the global digital economy.