5G infrastructure drives comprehensive digital transformation
5G networks are emerging as a “digital highway”, opening up new room for the development of the digital economy, digital society and digital government in Hai Phong.
Foundation infrastructure for digital transformation
Compared with previous generations of mobile networks, 5G is not only an upgrade in internet access speed but also a foundational infrastructure for comprehensive digital transformation thanks to its ability to transmit large volumes of data, low latency and simultaneous connectivity for massive numbers of devices.
Nguyen Thi Nga, 28, a resident of Thanh Dong ward and a frequent user of digital platforms, said: “With 5G, whether watching movies, browsing the web or carrying out daily tasks such as checking emails and posting content on Facebook, it is noticeably different.”
In recent years, the city’s Department of Science and Technology has coordinated with agencies and local authorities to direct telecom companies to invest in and upgrade infrastructure while improving service quality across the city. As a result, Hai Phong’s telecommunications infrastructure has developed toward greater modernity, higher capacity and faster speeds.
According to the Department of Digital Infrastructure and Specialized Management under the Department of Science and Technology, the city currently has 1,268 5G BTS stations in operation, including 173 operated by VNPT’s Vinaphone, 992 by Viettel and 103 by MobiFone. All industrial parks and 98% of the population are now covered by 5G, surpassing targets and placing Hai Phong among the country’s top three localities in 5G infrastructure development.
Average 5G network speeds currently reach around 400 Mbps for downloads and 75 Mbps for uploads. Telecom operators are expected to invest in an additional 2,000 5G BTS stations across the city this year.
At the same time, private 5G networks are being deployed at ports and industrial parks through cooperation between Viettel and partners including Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal, Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company and LG Innotek Vietnam Hai Phong at Trang Due Industrial Park.
Vu Minh Tue, head of the technical investment division at VNPT Hai Phong, said the deployment of 5G aims not only to increase access speeds but, more importantly, to improve user experience. Alongside optimizing 4G coverage and optical transmission networks, VNPT aims to operate 1,822 5G stations in Hai Phong by 2030.
New driver for socio-economic development
Beyond delivering high-speed internet experiences, 5G is also creating new value for the economy and social life in Hai Phong.
At industrial parks, 5G infrastructure is enabling wider adoption of automation technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time production monitoring. This helps manufacturing lines operate more intelligently, reducing costs, optimizing processes and improving labor productivity — an important factor as the city accelerates development of high-tech industries and modern logistics.
For state administration, 5G serves as a key foundation for building digital government and smart urban systems. Traffic surveillance cameras, security warning systems, urban management platforms and online public services all require modern network infrastructure to operate in a synchronized, secure and efficient manner.
Alongside infrastructure investment, the city is also improving governance to support digital infrastructure development. By 2030, Hai Phong aims to ensure that all residents have access to fiber-optic internet with speeds of at least 1 Gbps, along with cybersecurity solutions for internet use. Every adult citizen is expected to own a smartphone and have a personal email account. The city is also targeting free high-speed WiFi coverage at village cultural centers, residential communities, and commune-, ward- and special zone-level administrative centers.
In addition, security and safety services such as surveillance cameras, fire warning systems and elderly and child care solutions will gradually be expanded to households and major roads across the city. Mobile broadband 5G networks are expected to cover the entire population while preparing for future 6G network trials.
Pham Huy Thang, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology, said the department would continue coordinating with agencies, local authorities and telecom companies to accelerate investment, infrastructure upgrades and improvements in telecommunications and internet service quality across the city.
Alongside expanding network coverage, the city will continue improving service quality to ensure that government agencies, residents and businesses have access to high-quality, secure and stable telecommunications and internet services, thereby helping drive the development of digital government, the digital economy and the digital society.
Hai Phong News