This is the fourth time Viettel has participated in the 700MHz band auction. Owning this frequency block is of particular importance to the firm, enabling it to expand its coverage to 99 per cent of population by 2030.

Viettel is accelerating infrastructure development for its 5G network. Photo: Viettel

The price offered by Viettel was VND1.995 trillion ($79.8 million), which is equivalent to the average global price.

With its long-distance transmission and solid penetration, the B2 - B2 frequency block will help cover rural areas, mountainous areas, remote areas, and national highways. It will also reach high-rise buildings and hard-to-reach locations in urban areas.

This is the frequency block planned by the Ministry of Science and Technology to deploy mobile information systems according to IMT-Advanced (4G) standards and subsequent versions.

Major General Tao Duc Thang, chairman and general director of Viettel shared, "Owning the B2 - B2 frequency block is extremely important and timely for Viettel to realise a high-speed, safe, reliable digital infrastructure platform, connecting people, authorities, and businesses, while accelerating the application of digital technologies in all aspects of social life, from urban to rural areas."

On the B2 – B2 frequency block, Viettel will deploy 4G/5G mobile broadband internet access services, providing high speeds and low latency, serving entertainment, remote working, and online learning, and Internet of Things services, while supporting platforms and applications such as smart cities, smart agriculture, and smart traffic management.

Viettel plans to focus its resources to deploy the construction of new integrated frequency infrastructure, aiming for the best 5G network with over 20,000 broadcasting stations before the end of 2025.