5G data traffic expected to surge fivefold during Tet 2026 peak hours

During the Lunar New Year 2026 holiday, demand for telecommunications services is expected to rise sharply, with a clear shift in usage patterns. Users are increasingly prioritizing mobile broadband-based services such as data, OTT applications, and social media, while traditional voice and SMS traffic continues to decline due to the availability of alternative communication platforms.

A representative of Viettel forecast that up to 7.2 million trips will be made during the nine-day holiday. 5G traffic during Tet 2026 peak hours is projected to increase fivefold compared to Tet 2025, while total data traffic could rise by 30% year-on-year. To meet demand, Viettel has deployed more than 11,000 technical solutions and intensified the use of AI in network forecasting, achieving 92% accuracy. This AI system helps automatically optimize resources and significantly reduce manual intervention.

Tet 2026 also marks a milestone as Viettel operates 30,000 5G BTS stations — five times more than in 2025. The operator has also launched the TET26 package, ensuring optimal network quality at more than 600 festival sites and key transport routes.

As for VNPT, the group has simultaneously implemented nationwide infrastructure upgrade solutions. Inter-provincial transmission capacity has been increased to nearly 52,000 Gbps, up 14%. International Internet bandwidth has reached more than 11 Tbps, ensuring access demand is met even in the event of submarine cable disruptions. VNPT has also deployed around 300 mobile base stations in major event areas and for Lunar New Year’s Eve.

Information security remains a top priority, with the content monitoring system’s processing capacity reaching 1,600 Gbps. VNPT has also established backup satellite signal sources to ensure uninterrupted broadcasting for essential channels such as VTV and HTV. Technical teams will be on duty 24/7 to promptly handle any arising incidents.

At a recent press briefing, Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director General of the Telecommunications Authority, said the Ministry had instructed telecom operators to expand both domestic and international connectivity bandwidth to prevent network congestion at peak times and in densely populated locations. The Ministry also required operators to develop mutual roaming support plans in remote areas or in the event of incidents, ensuring the most stable network operations during the Lunar New Year 2026.

Hai Phong News