MobiFone, Viettel, Vinaphone, and other telecom companies are eyeing the chance to win the MIC’s license to roll out 4G services on the 2.6GHz bandwidth.

The MIC is planning to auction the 2.6GHz bandwidth soon. (Photo: VIR)

The Ministry of Information and Communications has just announced preparing procedures for the bidding. In addition to tenderers’ financial potential, the ministry’s Authority of Radio Frequency Management plans to set a few requirements for operating services on the bandwidth after winning the contract.

Specifically, tenderers have to offer 4G services within 24 months of getting the license to use the 2.6GHz bandwidth. In case they fail, the licenses will be withdrawn.

The authority also plans to offer some specific conditions on the number of base stations. Companieslicensed to develop telecommunications services on the bandwidth will be required to commit to installing at least 5,000 eNodeB stations within 24 months.

Unlicensed mobile operators have to commit to supply telecommunications services after performing 50 per cent of the commitment. They could apply one of two projects. First, within 24 licensed months, mobile operators’ 4G services must cover at least 75 per cent of the population of each district, commune, and provincial city. Second, they have to provide 4G services for all districts, communes, and provincial cities and develop 8,500 eNodeB stations at least.

Apart from Gtel, all local mobile operators have already served 4G services for subscribers. VNPT, Viettel carry out 4G data on 1,800MHz with the bands of 10MHz, 15MHz, and 20MHz; MobiFone’s 4G services are mainly offered on 10MHz.