Vietnam attends roundtable on cutting Internet access cost
A ministerial-level roundtable discussion themed “Cutting the cost: Can affordable access accelerate digital transformation?” was held on October 12, within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s Digital World 2021.
Hanoi (VNA) – A ministerial-level roundtable discussion themed “Cuttingthe cost: Can affordableaccess accelerate digital transformation?” was held on October 12,within the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s DigitalWorld 2021.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Information andCommunications Phan Tam said digital transformation has become an indispensabletrend of every country. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated theprocess in the world.
He suggestedcountries pay more attention to affordable access and developing digitalplatforms which could be considerꦡed infrastructure of the digital world.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Phan Tam attends the roundtable discussion. (Photo: binhphuoc.gov.vn)
According to him, it is necessary to digitalise socio-economic activities andbring them to digital platforms.
Participants at the event also shared experience in digital transformation,resources to develop information and communications technology, and ways todevelop digital transformation effectively.
At the ministerial-level roundtable on the same theme on October 12, VietnameseMinister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said in order to promote Internet access, Vietnam will shut down 2G network by 2023. TheGovernment and telecom providers will fund the use of 4G network for 2G mobile phoneusers, meaning that all of phone users will be ready for Internet access by2023.
Ministersdiscussed ways toꦐ deal withꦉ barriers regarding residents’ affordability fortelecom services, policies and measures to minimise costs./.
The Vietnam Internet Association hosted Internet Day 2020 on December 16, marking the 23rd year since Vietnam became part of the global internet network.
i-Speed, the first Made-in-Vietnam internet speed measuring app, was rolled out in Hanoi on April 2 by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Centre (VNNIC) and the Authority of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Vietnam’s e-security index improved by 54 percent since last year but its internet became less affordable, the 2021 Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) conducted by cybersecurity company Surfshark showed.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Illustrative image (Photo: baodautu.vn) 
Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Phan Tam attends the roundtable discussion. (Photo: binhphuoc.gov.vn) 
