4G mobile network coverage reaches 99% of Vietnamese population: Minister

Deputy Chu Thi Hong Thai of Lang Son province raises a question at the Q&A session. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Vietnam's 4G mobile network coverage now reaches 99% of the population, bringing the country close to the level of developed nations, which is at 99.4%, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung affirmed at a Q&A session as part of the 15th National Assembly’s ongoing 8th sitting on November 12.

By June 2025, all mobile network coverage gaps will be eliminated, which is both a goal and a commitment from the ministry, Hung said while answering deputies’ queries on the lack of mobile phone network in remote hamlets and villages.

For these over 700 coverage gaps across the country, the expansion of telecommunications coverage must comply with the provisions of the new Telecommunications Law and the accompanying decree. However, the decree has not yet been issued due to several delays.

According to the minister, the ministry is working hard to finalise this draft decree and submit it to the Government for approval either in November or December of this year.

Hung added that the decree will create a much more flexible regulatory environment for the construction of telecommunications towers in remote areas.

For telecoms towers in areas without electricity, the ministry has been working with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN). However, progress has been slow. As a result, the Ministry of Information and Communications is now considering the possibility of using satellite technology to expand coverage in these regions, he stated.

Regarding significant communication disruptions caused by Typhoon Yagi in the northern region in early September, the minister affirmed that the ministry will soon direct efforts to reinforce telecom infrastructure in the northern provinces and cities./.