The Ministry of Science and Technology has approved a new auction plan for the rights to use two key radio frequency blocks: 703-713 MHz and 758-768 MHz (block B1-B1’), and 723-733 MHz and 778-788 MHz (block B3-B3’).
Both spectrum blocks, classified as "diamond bands," have a starting bid of over VND 1.955 trillion (approximately USD 76.8 million), and are designated for mobile communications systems following IMT-Advanced (4G) and future standards. Licenses will be valid for 15 years.
Companies that previously won the B2-B2’ block (713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz) are excluded from this auction. Participating enterprises must place a deposit of VND 100 billion (approx. USD 3.93 million) and submit their eligibility documents within 30 days. The auction will be conducted via direct ballot, with a minimum bid increment of VND 20 billion.
Previously used for analog TV broadcasts, these low-frequency bands have since been reallocated to support mobile communications post-2020. Compared to the 1800 MHz band, the B1-B1’ and B3-B3’ blocks offer a 1.8 times larger coverage radius, enabling operators to reduce infrastructure costs while improving network performance.
Auction obligations and rollout commitments
Telecom providers with a mobile service license must commit to deploying at least 2,000 new mobile base stations within two years of receiving the frequency license. Of these, no fewer than 650 must serve Vietnam’s maritime and island areas.
Operators must also launch services using the B1-B1’ and B3-B3’ blocks within 12 months of receiving the license. By that time, at least 30% of the committed base stations must be operational. Full coverage across all national highways built before 2030 is also mandatory.
Le Van Tuan, Director General of the Authority of Radio Frequency Management, emphasized: “Auctioning and activating the 700MHz spectrum is a critical step in implementing the national digital infrastructure strategy outlined in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.” He added that the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue optimizing spectrum resources to support Vietnam’s telecom and digital transformation goals.
Viettel leads spectrum acquisition
In the previous auction on May 20, 2025, Viettel won the B2-B2’ block against competitor VNPT. Earlier in March 2024, Viettel also secured the 2500-2600 MHz band for 15 years, with a winning bid of VND 7.533 trillion (around USD 296 million). With these acquisitions, Viettel now holds two of the most valuable spectrum blocks currently available.
The 700 MHz band (694-806 MHz), designated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2015 for mobile services, is prized for its superior signal propagation. It offers significantly better coverage than the 900, 1800, or 2100 MHz bands, making it particularly valuable for rural and mountainous areas.
Its efficiency allows telecom companies to reduce infrastructure investment, which in turn can help lower service prices for users while boosting 4G and 5G network development across Vietnam.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/en/vietnam-reopens-bidding-for-two-prime-4g-5g-spectrum-blocks-2424552.html
