Integrated digital infrastructure improves public services

The implementation of the two-tier local government model has created new governance requirements, with the province now directly managing 135 communes and wards across a large geographic area. According to Tran Kim Kha, Director of the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, digital infrastructure, digital data, cybersecurity, and AI form the province's "digital nervous system," supporting smooth and efficient government operations.

The province currently has 4,323 mobile base station sites supporting 8,541 BTS stations, including 734 5G stations and 4,032 4G stations. Mobile network coverage has reached 100% of commune and ward centers and 99.9% of villages and hamlets.

A dedicated government data transmission network has been deployed across all government agencies, while electronic office systems, one stop service platforms, online meeting systems, and sector specific databases continue to be upgraded.

At the commune level, more than 53,000 digital signatures have been issued, and all officials and civil servants have been equipped with computers and other essential work equipment. The province has also allocated VND1 billion (US$40,000) to VND3 billion (US$120,000) to each commune and ward to upgrade office facilities, information technology infrastructure, and equipment, helping local administrations quickly stabilize after administrative restructuring.

During the first five months of 2026, Gia Lai received nearly 328,000 administrative applications, including more than 207,000 processed at the commune level, with a 99.5% online submission rate. Since July 1, 2025, commune level authorities have processed more than 679,000 applications, 97.01% of them submitted online. The province has also cut processing times for 1,713 administrative procedures by an average of 55.15%, exceeding the government's target.

Toward a modern digital government

Alongside digital infrastructure development, Gia Lai is gradually integrating AI into public administration in practical ways. According to the Department of Science and Technology, the province is implementing three main AI applications: virtual assistants that help government officials search legal documents, standardize documents, and streamline application processing; AI systems that support land administration by reviewing application files and verifying legal compliance; and information monitoring systems that track and analyze public opinion across digital platforms in real time.

AI not only reduces processing time but also improves accuracy, helps officials handle specialized administrative cases, and gradually builds a governance model driven by data and technology.

Despite these achievements, several shared digital systems have yet to operate consistently, progress in developing sector specific databases remains slow, and information technology staff at the commune level remain limited. The province's large geographic area and dispersed population also make investment in telecommunications infrastructure in remote areas more challenging.

In the coming period, Gia Lai will continue upgrading its digital infrastructure, advancing data driven governance, improving the digital skills of government officials and civil servants, and expanding AI applications in public administration under an "AI First" approach.

The province will also expand the use of AI for data aggregation and analysis, work progress monitoring, administrative procedure processing, document management, and policy support, while providing digital skills and AI training for government officials and civil servants to improve productivity and service quality.

These efforts aim to build a modern public administration system, strengthen governance effectiveness, improve the investment environment, and provide better services for citizens and businesses.