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Top Largest Mobile Operators in Vietnam
Nov
Top Largest Mobile Operators in Vietnam
Vietnam’s mobile market has experienced significant growth over the years, with a current market penetration of over 100%. The country has a population of over 97 million people, and with the rise of smartphones and internet usage, the demand for mobile services has increased tremendously. As a result, several mobile operators have emerged to cater to the growing market. In this article, we will take a look at the top five largest mobile operations in Vietnam and what sets them apart from each other.
There are 4 major mobile carriers in Vietnam, but the two best networks are Viettel and Vinaphone.
Sticking to the first two is best because it will allow you to go anywhere in the country and have a great connection. Of course there are also major dead spots in Vietnam, especially with the smaller operator
Which Vietnam mobile carrier coverage is the best?
Vietnam’s mobile market has experienced significant growth over the years, with a current market penetration of over 100%. The country has a population of over 97 million people, and with the rise of smartphones and internet usage, the demand for mobile services has increased tremendously. As a result, several mobile operators have emerged to cater to the growing market. In this article, we will take a look at the top five largest mobile operations in Vietnam and what sets them apart from each other.
1. Viettel Group
Viettel Group, also known as Vietnam Military Telecommunications Group, is the largest mobile operator in Vietnam. It was founded in 1989 and is owned by the Ministry of Defence. Viettel offers a range of telecommunication services, including mobile, fixed-line, and internet services.
- Since 1989
- Heap Office: # 01 Tran Huy Duc, My Dinh 2 Ward, Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- Hotline: 1800 8098
- Website: https://vietteltelecom.vn/
History and Expansion
Viettel started as a provider of military communication services but later expanded to civilian services in 2004. It quickly gained a significant market share due to its affordable prices and extensive coverage. In 2010, Viettel expanded its operations to Laos, Cambodia, and East Timor, and later to Myanmar in 2017, making it the only Vietnamese company with a presence in all five countries of the Mekong River subregion.
Services Offered
Viettel’s mobile brand is called “Viettel Mobile” and offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services. It also provides high-speed fiber optic internet services under the brand name “Viettel Telecom.” The company is currently investing in 5G technology to keep up with the increasing demand for faster internet speeds.
Table 1: Viettel’s Tariff Plans
| Plan Name | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| VD2 | 70,000 | 4GB | 30 days |
| VD3 | 130,000 | 6GB | 30 days |
| VD4 | 250,000 | 10GB | 30 days |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing
- Extensive coverage in Vietnam
- Wide range of services offered
- Continual investments in new technology (e.g., 5G)
Disadvantages:
- Limited international roaming options
- Network congestion during peak hours
- Limited customer service channels
We’ve used Viettel a lot throughout the country and had a great experience, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and even some more remote places like Ha Giang and Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Viettel has the best network coverage of all mobile carriers in Vietnam and has a 40% market share.
2. VNPT Vinaphone Corporation
VNPT Vinaphone Corporation is the second-largest mobile operator in Vietnam, owned by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT). It was established in 1996 and has a market share of approximately 25%.
- Since: 1996
- Heap Office: 216 Tran Duy Hung, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
- Hotline: 1800 1091
- Website: hhttps://vinaphone.com.vn/
History and Expansion
Vinaphone started as a state-owned enterprise and later became part of VNPT. In 2007, Vodafone acquired a 49% stake in Vinaphone, marking its first entry into the Vietnamese market. However, the partnership ended in 2012, and VNPT regained full ownership of Vinaphone.
Services Offered
Vinaphone offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services under the brand name “Vinaphone Mobile.” The company also provides internet services through its subsidiary, VinaPhone Telecom, and has recently invested in 5G technology.
Table 2: Vinaphone’s Tariff Plans
| Plan Name | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Data 4G | 90,000 | 6GB | 30 days |
| Family Combo | 110,000 | 4GB | 30 days |
| Postpaid 4G | 220,000 | 12GB | 30 days |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Good network coverage in major cities
- Competitive pricing
- Wide range of tariff plans
- Reliable internet services
Disadvantages:
- Limited international roaming options
- Network outages in rural areas
- Poor customer service
VinaPhone has the second-best network coverage with a 30% market share and is a great choice.
While we don’t have as much experience with VinaPhone as we have with Viettel, we know it’s reliable and can highly recommend it.
Which eSIM Data Plans does Vinaphone Offer?
|
Vietnam eSIM |
|||
|
Data Plans |
7 GB |
10 GB |
15 GB |
|
Duration |
8 days |
16 days |
30 days |
|
Price |
$ 10 |
$ 12 |
$ 15 |
|
Network carrier |
Vinaphone |
Vinaphone |
Vinaphone |
|
Data sharing |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Vietnamese phone number |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
When to buy |
Within 30 days before departure or while in Vietnam. |
Within 30 days before departure or while in Vietnam. |
Within 30 days before departure or while in Vietnam. |
|
Features |
7 GB high-speed cellular data. – Vietnamese phone number to receive calls and messages. – Sharing data is available |
10 GB high-speed cellular data. – Vietnamese phone number to receive calls and messages. – Sharing data is available |
15 GB high-speed cellular data. – Vietnamese phone number to receive calls and messages. – Sharing data is available |
3. Mobifone Corporation
Mobifone Corporation is the third-largest mobile operator in Vietnam, owned by the Ministry of Information and Communications. It was established in 1993 and has a market share of approximately 20%.
- Since 1993
- Heap Office: VP1, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
- Hotline: 1800 1090
- Website: https://www.mobifone.vn/
History and Expansion
Mobifone started as a state-owned enterprise and later became a subsidiary of VNPT. In 2012, it became a joint-stock company under the Ministry of Information and Communications. In 2019, Viettel acquired a 95% stake in Mobifone, but the deal was canceled due to regulatory issues.
Services Offered
Mobifone offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services under the brand name “Mobifone.” The company also provides internet services through its subsidiary, MobiFone Telecom, and has recently invested in 5G technology.
Table 3: Mobifone’s Tariff Plans
| Plan Name | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo S | 90,000 | 7GB | 30 days |
| Combo Max Plus | 150,000 | 13GB | 30 days |
| Combo Super | 200,000 | 18GB | 30 days |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Good network coverage in major cities
- Fast internet speeds
- Affordable pricing
- Option for 3G-only plans for basic phone users
Disadvantages:
- Limited international roaming options
- Network outages in rural areas
- Poor customer service
Mobifone, with about 22% market share, is only recommended if you stick to the cities, as its coverage outside the main areas gets bad fast.
So if you’re only visiting, let’s say, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, you will likely be fine. But not so much in the countryside, mountainous areas and border areas of Vietnam
4. Vietnamobile Corporation
Vietnamobile, also known as Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services One Member Limited Liability Company, is the fourth-largest mobile operator in Vietnam. It was founded in 2009 and has a market share of approximately 10%.
- Since: 2009
- Heap Office: 5th floor, King Building, Chua Boc Str., Trung Tu Ward, Dong Da Dist., Hanoi
- Hotline: 0922 789 789
- Website: https://www.vietnamobile.com.vn/
History and Expansion
Vietnamobile started as a joint venture between Hutchison Telecommunications and Hanoi Telecom. In 2012, VMS Capital Group acquired a majority stake in Vietnamobile, making it a wholly-owned Vietnamese company.
Services Offered
Vietnamobile offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services under the brand name “Vietnamobile.” The company also provides internet services and has recently invested in 5G technology.
Table 4: Vietnamobile’s Tariff Plans
| PLAN NAME | PRICE (VND) | DATA ALLOWANCE | VALIDITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Data MAX | 70,000 | 3GB | 30 days |
| Combo Basic | 110,000 | 6GB | 30 days |
| Combo MAX | 150,000 | 10GB | 30 days |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of data plans
- Strong focus on customer service
- Good network coverage in major cities
Disadvantages:
- Limited international roaming options
- Network outages in rural areas
- Limited market share compared to other operators
Vietnamobile’s esim works well in most provinces and major cities of Vietnam. But it does not work well in mountainous areas and border areas of Vietnam such as northern areas such as Ba Be, Cao Bang, Meo Vac, Dong
Van or even Ha Giang. Please consider your trip in Vietnam before buying this eSIM.
Which Vietnam eSIM Plans does Vietnamobile Offer?
|
Vietnamobile eSIM |
GODATA |
GOVOICE |
|
Data Plans |
Daily 5 GB |
Daily 3 GB |
|
Duration |
20 days |
20 days |
|
Price |
$ 12.9 |
$ 13.9 |
|
Network carrier |
Vietnamobile |
Vietnamobile |
|
Data Sharing |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Vietnamese phone number |
Yes |
Yes |
|
When to buy |
Within 30 days before departure or while in Vietnam. |
Within 30 days before departure or while in Vietnam. |
|
Features |
Daily 5 GB high-speed cellular data. – Vietnamese phone number to receive calls and messages. – Sharing data is available |
Daily 3 GB high-speed cellular data. Free 10 minutes international Calls to Japan, Korea, China, Hongkong, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Canada |
|
Link to Buy |
5. Gmobile (Beeline)
Gmobile, formerly known as Beeline, is the fifth-largest mobile operator in Vietnam. It was founded in 2009 and has a market share of approximately 2%.
- Since: 2012
- Heap Office: # 280B Lac Long Quan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
- Hotline: 019 9888 0199
- Website: http://gmobile.vn/
History and Expansion
Gmobile started as a joint venture between Russia’s VimpelCom and Vietnam’s Global Telecommunications Corporation. In 2015, it rebranded to Gmobile and became a wholly-owned Vietnamese company.
Services Offered
Gmobile offers 2G, 3G, and 4G services under the brand name “Gmobile.” The company also provides internet services and is currently investing in 5G technology.
Table 5: Gmobile’s Tariff Plans
| Plan Name | Price (VND) | Data Allowance | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Combo | 90,000 | 5GB | 30 days |
| Power Combo | 120,000 | 7GB | 30 days |
| Top Combo | 180,000 | 10GB | 30 days |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Affordable pricing
- Wide range of data plans
- Option for 2G-only plans for basic phone users
- Good network coverage in major cities
Disadvantages:
- Limited international roaming options
- Network outages in rural areas
- Poor customer service
Gmobile Network Coverage in Vietnam?
Frequently asked questions
The main differences lie in their ownership structure and network coverage. Viettel is owned by the Ministry of Defence and has extensive coverage throughout Vietnam. On the other hand, VNPT Vinaphone is owned by VNPT and has good coverage in major cities.
According to a study conducted by Ookla in 2020, Mobifone has the fastest internet speeds in Vietnam, followed by Viettel and VNPT Vinaphone.
Yes, foreigners can purchase a prepaid SIM card from any of the above-mentioned mobile operators. However, they will need to present their passport for registration purposes.
Yes, all five mobile operators offer international roaming options. However, the rates may vary, so it is best to check with your specific operator for more information.
Yes, 5G technology is currently being rolled out by all five mobile operators in major cities in Vietnam.
You can buy your Vietnam SIM Card online or in many shops at the airport, in official carrier stores, or at smaller resellers in any city.
A Vietnam eSIM costs about 200.000 VND ($9) for for a data plan with about 7 to 10 GB of data.
Yes, you can get a Vietnam eSIM (embedded SIM) from many online providers like https://vietnamesim.info, some even with unlimited data.
eSIM Vietnam are usually activated for either 7, 10, 15, or 30 days.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s mobile market is highly competitive, with each operator striving to provide the best services at affordable prices. While Viettel remains the largest mobile operator, other players like VNPT Vinaphone, Mobifone, Vietnamobile, and Gmobile are continuously improving their services to stay ahead in the market. With the rise of 5G technology and the increasing demand for faster internet speeds, we can expect to see even more advancements in the country’s mobile services in the coming years.
