The VNPT expects to have the largest 3G footprint in the country, covering 90 per cent of Vietnam's total area, by this October. — Photo tienphong.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — The Viet Nam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) is increasing its investment in the 3G network to ensure maximum coverage area nationwide by October this year, said Tran Manh Hung, chairman of the group's member council. 

Talking about the investment strategy of the VNPT, Hung said the group plans to build 10,000 3G base transceiver stations (BTS) between June and October this year.

"This is our biggest investment up to now," said Hung.

Additionally, the group also upgraded 3,000 existing 3G BTS.

The VNPT expects to have the largest 3G footprint  in the country, covering 90 per cent of Viet Nam's total area, by this October.

The group's business index saw positive growth in many province and cities, said Hung, adding that VNPT's Vinaphone is expected to become the second largest network provider within one year.

Hung said despite being the first 3G provider, Vinaphone was outstripped by its rivals because not enough was invested into 3G infrastructure.

The country's total 3G subscription was 27.5 million by last s year-end,  according to statistics from the Ministry of Information and Communications. 

Of these, Viettel has up to 14 million 3G subscriptions, which mean of every two Vietnamese using 3G, one will be using Viettel's.

The number of Viettel's 3G base transceiver stations by the end of last year was 29,000, the largest nationwide. — VNS