Ho Chi Minh City proposes piloting 6G network in 2026: A step forward in anticipating future digital infrastructure.
In order to realize a breakthrough in digital transformation, Ho Chi Minh City has requested major network operators to research and test 6G technology starting in 2026, even though international standards are not yet complete.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology has officially proposed that leading telecommunications corporations, including Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone, collaborate on research and pilot implementation of sixth-generation (6G) mobile network technology in the city by 2026. This is a concrete step towards implementing Plan 27 of the Steering Committee on Science, Technology Development and Digital Transformation, while also adhering to Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in national technology development.
Roadmap for the 6G pilot deployment in Ho Chi Minh City
According to the plan, the Department of Science and Technology will play a leading role in the research, development, and testing of 6G networks. This unit will also propose to the Ministry of Science and Technology to allow the establishment of specific testing areas within the city to evaluate the real-world performance of the new technology.
In recent meetings with the three major telecommunications companies, Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone, the parties discussed in depth the feasibility of practical implementation. Although 6G technology promises revolutionary changes, its immediate application still faces numerous challenges regarding infrastructure and technical standards.
Challenges related to technical standards and terminal equipment.
During the meetings, representatives from the network operators stated that 6G technology is currently in its early research phase globally. Some of the main obstacles include:
- There are no official technical standards yet:International organizations are still in the process of discussing and agreeing on the technical specifications for 6G.
- Lack of commercial equipment:Smartphones and devices that support 6G are not yet widely available on the market.
- Prioritizing 5G networks:Currently, telecommunications companies are still heavily focused on perfecting and expanding 5G network coverage.
However, to avoid falling behind in the technology race, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology still recommends that corporations conduct parallel research, with the goal of beginning trial coverage in some key areas of the city in 2026.
Target for telecommunications infrastructure coverage by 2026
Besides the 6G plan, Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country are still accelerating the completion of 4G and 5G infrastructure. Below are the projected targets according to data from the Ministry of Science and Technology:
| Infrastructure targets | Targets by 2025/2026 |
|---|---|
| Nationwide 4G coverage (2025) | Over 99.8% of the population |
| Nationwide 5G coverage (2025) | Over 91% of the population |
| 5G coverage in Ho Chi Minh City (2026) | 95% of the population |
| 5G coverage in urban areas, industrial zones, and seaports of Ho Chi Minh City. | 100% of the population |
Ho Chi Minh City aims to achieve absolute 5G coverage in high-tech zones, industrial parks, airports, and key logistics centers by 2026 to support the development of the digital economy.
Expectations for the power of 6G technology.
Compared to its predecessor, 6G networks are expected to deliver significantly faster data transmission speeds, extremely low latency, and deep integration with artificial intelligence (AI). Notably, 6G will open up comprehensive satellite connectivity, optimally supporting the Internet of Things (IoT), massive data centers, and next-generation digital services.
Ho Chi Minh City's proactive proposal to pilot 6G demonstrates the city's determination to maintain its leading position in technology, creating a foundation for future smart applications such as self-driving cars, remote surgery, and augmented reality (XR) at a higher level.
