Vietnam Completes 900 MHz Spectrum Auction as VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile Secure New 4G and 5G Frequencies
Vietnam has completed a major reallocation of its 900 MHz mobile spectrum, awarding three paired frequency blocks to VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile through a competitive auction held on 9 September 2026.
The process covered frequencies between 900–915 MHz and 945–960 MHz and represents an important step in Vietnam's transition away from legacy 2G technology. Each successful bidder received a paired 2 × 5 MHz block under a 15-year spectrum licence.
VNPT secured the C3-C3' block at 900–905 MHz paired with 945–950 MHz. Viettel obtained C4-C4' at 905–910 MHz paired with 950–955 MHz, while Vietnamobile received C5-C5' at 910–915 MHz paired with 955–960 MHz.
The three awards place the complete 2 × 15 MHz spectrum range offered in the auction with mobile operators and generated more than VND 3 trillion in spectrum revenue for the Vietnamese state.
Vietnam 900 MHz Spectrum Auction Results
| Operator | Block | Lower Frequency | Upper Frequency | Bandwidth | Winning Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNPT | C3-C3' | 900–905 MHz | 945–950 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | Approximately VND 1.079 trillion |
| Viettel | C4-C4' | 905–910 MHz | 950–955 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | Approximately VND 1.077 trillion |
| Vietnamobile | C5-C5' | 910–915 MHz | 955–960 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | Approximately VND 1.077 trillion |
All three participating operators were successful, with each company ultimately obtaining one of the three available paired blocks.
Complete 2 × 15 MHz Auctioned Spectrum Was Assigned
The 2026 auction covered three adjacent paired blocks within the 900 MHz mobile band. Each block provides 5 MHz of spectrum in the lower part of the allocation paired with another 5 MHz in the upper part.
| Block | Paired Frequencies | Bandwidth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3-C3' | 900–905 / 945–950 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | VNPT |
| C4-C4' | 905–910 / 950–955 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | Viettel |
| C5-C5' | 910–915 / 955–960 MHz | 2 × 5 MHz | Vietnamobile |
| Total | 900–915 / 945–960 MHz | 2 × 15 MHz | Fully assigned |
The allocations use Frequency Division Duplexing, with separate paired frequency ranges supporting transmissions in the two directions of the mobile connection.
VNPT Secures 900–905 / 945–950 MHz
VNPT obtained the first frequency pair, identified as C3-C3'. The allocation consists of 900–905 MHz paired with 945–950 MHz, providing the operator with 2 × 5 MHz of additional low-band spectrum.
VNPT's winning amount was reported at approximately VND 1.079 trillion, the highest of the three final prices.
| Operator | VNPT |
|---|---|
| Block | C3-C3' |
| Frequency | 900–905 / 945–950 MHz |
| Bandwidth | 2 × 5 MHz |
| Duplex mode | FDD |
| Winning price | Approximately VND 1.079 trillion |
| Licence duration | 15 years |
The low-frequency characteristics of the 900 MHz band make the spectrum valuable for broad mobile coverage and indoor connectivity, complementing higher-frequency holdings primarily used for network capacity.
Viettel Wins 905–910 / 950–955 MHz
Viettel secured the central C4-C4' frequency pair. The licence covers 905–910 MHz paired with 950–955 MHz and provides another 2 × 5 MHz of FDD spectrum.
The company's winning amount was approximately VND 1.077 trillion.
| Operator | Viettel |
|---|---|
| Block | C4-C4' |
| Frequency | 905–910 / 950–955 MHz |
| Bandwidth | 2 × 5 MHz |
| Duplex mode | FDD |
| Winning price | Approximately VND 1.077 trillion |
| Licence duration | 15 years |
The assignment gives Viettel additional sub-1 GHz resources that can be integrated into the operator's wider spectrum portfolio for mobile broadband coverage and future network evolution.
Vietnamobile Takes 910–915 / 955–960 MHz
Vietnamobile secured the highest-frequency pair included in the auction, C5-C5'. The allocation consists of 910–915 MHz paired with 955–960 MHz.
Vietnamobile's winning price was also reported at approximately VND 1.077 trillion.
| Operator | Vietnamobile |
|---|---|
| Block | C5-C5' |
| Frequency | 910–915 / 955–960 MHz |
| Bandwidth | 2 × 5 MHz |
| Duplex mode | FDD |
| Winning price | Approximately VND 1.077 trillion |
| Licence duration | 15 years |
The result gives Vietnamobile an important low-band spectrum resource for future mobile broadband deployment, particularly where wider geographic coverage and stronger indoor propagation are required.
Reserve Price Set at VND 1.05694 Trillion Per Paired Block
The Ministry of Science and Technology established the same starting price for each of the three spectrum assets.
Every 2 × 5 MHz block carried an exact reserve price of VND 1,056,943,950,000, equivalent to approximately VND 1.057 trillion.
| Block | Bandwidth | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| C3-C3' | 2 × 5 MHz | VND 1,056,943,950,000 |
| C4-C4' | 2 × 5 MHz | VND 1,056,943,950,000 |
| C5-C5' | 2 × 5 MHz | VND 1,056,943,950,000 |
| Combined reserve value | 2 × 15 MHz | VND 3,170,831,850,000 |
The auction rules used a VND 10 billion bidding increment during the competitive rounds.
Based on the rounded final prices reported by the regulator, the three successful bids together represent approximately VND 3.23 trillion, exceeding the combined reserve value and delivering more than VND 3 trillion to the state budget.
New Two-Stage Auction Method Introduced for 900 MHz
The 900 MHz process also introduced a different auction mechanism from Vietnam's previous mobile spectrum awards.
Rather than auctioning the three frequency positions independently in sequence, the three paired blocks were handled simultaneously through a two-stage process.
The first stage determined the quantity of spectrum obtained by successful participants, while the subsequent stage determined the specific frequency position assigned to each winner.
This structure allowed participating operators to compete for spectrum while retaining flexibility regarding the final location of their frequencies within the available 900 MHz range.
First Auction of a Previously Used Mobile Spectrum Band in Vietnam
The 2026 auction differs from several of Vietnam's recent spectrum assignments because the 900 MHz frequencies are not newly identified mobile spectrum.
The band has been part of Vietnam's mobile communications infrastructure since the early development of GSM networks in the 1990s and has played a central role in providing wide-area 2G coverage.
Vietnam's earlier auctions in the 2.6 GHz and 3.7 GHz bands in 2024 involved spectrum introduced for newer broadband networks, while the 700 MHz process in 2025 made frequencies released through the transition of television broadcasting available for mobile use.
The 900 MHz auction therefore represents the first time Vietnam has placed a long-established and already extensively used mobile frequency band into a competitive spectrum auction after reorganising it for newer generations of technology.
900 MHz Auction Coincides with the End of Vietnam's 2G Era
The timing of the auction is closely connected to Vietnam's 2G shutdown programme.
GSM services were permitted to operate until 15 September 2026. From 16 September 2026, Vietnam moved to stop GSM network operation nationally, completing the second stage of the country's 2G technology phase-out.
The auction was therefore concluded only days before the old GSM network was switched off.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 9 September 2026 | 900 MHz spectrum auction completed |
| 15 September 2026 | Final day of scheduled GSM network operation |
| 16 September 2026 | National 2G GSM network shutdown takes effect |
Removing GSM from the band allows operators to use valuable low-frequency spectrum more efficiently for broadband technologies with substantially greater spectral efficiency and data capacity.
900 MHz Spectrum Reoriented Toward 4G, 5G and Future IMT Technologies
The spectrum auction documents authorize the three frequency blocks for public terrestrial mobile systems using IMT standards, including IMT-2000, IMT-Advanced, IMT-2020 and subsequent generations.
In practical technology terms, IMT-Advanced encompasses technologies associated with 4G evolution, while IMT-2020 forms the international framework for 5G.
The Radio Frequency Department's post-auction announcement specifically highlights use of the frequencies for 4G and subsequent mobile technologies, reflecting the transition of the band away from GSM toward broadband networks.
The auction conditions nevertheless allow IMT-2000 systems to continue using the licensed spectrum until 14 September 2028. This provides regulatory flexibility for operators during the wider transition of legacy network technologies while preserving the long-term direction toward more advanced mobile systems.
Why 900 MHz Is Valuable for 4G and 5G Coverage
The 900 MHz band occupies an important position in mobile network design because frequencies below 1 GHz generally provide stronger propagation characteristics than higher mobile bands.
A radio site using low-band spectrum can typically cover a larger geographic area than one relying exclusively on mid-band frequencies. Signals at 900 MHz also provide favourable penetration into buildings, making the band useful for indoor coverage as well as rural and suburban connectivity.
For 4G and 5G networks, the principal benefit of the band is therefore not exceptionally wide channel bandwidth but efficient geographic coverage.
Operators can combine low-band 900 MHz frequencies with wider capacity bands such as 2.6 GHz or 3.7 GHz. The lower frequencies provide broad coverage while higher-frequency spectrum carries larger volumes of traffic in dense locations.
Vietnam Continues Rapid Expansion of Mobile Spectrum Resources
The 900 MHz auction follows a series of spectrum assignments intended to expand the resources available for Vietnam's mobile broadband networks.
According to the Radio Frequency Department, the amount of spectrum allocated for mobile communications doubled from approximately 340 MHz in 2020 to around 680 MHz by 2025.
This expansion has accompanied a rapid increase in fifth-generation mobile coverage. The regulator reported that 5G population coverage increased from below 1% to more than 91.9% over a two-year period.
The additional 900 MHz licences strengthen the coverage component of this wider spectrum portfolio and provide operators with frequencies particularly well suited to extending advanced mobile services over large geographic areas.
Mobile Broadband Speeds Have Increased Sharply
Vietnam's spectrum expansion has taken place alongside substantial improvements in mobile broadband performance.
The Radio Frequency Department reported an average mobile broadband download speed of 205.6 Mbps in July 2026, more than four times the earlier level cited by the regulator.
According to the same official assessment, the improvement placed Vietnam among the ten countries with the highest mobile Internet speeds at that time.
While network performance depends on multiple factors—including radio infrastructure, backhaul, device capabilities and network architecture—the availability of additional spectrum provides operators with more capacity and greater flexibility when planning network upgrades.
15-Year Spectrum Licences Provide Long-Term Investment Framework
Each successful 900 MHz bidder is entitled to receive a frequency-band licence with a duration of 15 years from the date the authorization becomes effective.
| Operator | Bandwidth | Licence Duration |
|---|---|---|
| VNPT | 2 × 5 MHz | 15 years |
| Viettel | 2 × 5 MHz | 15 years |
| Vietnamobile | 2 × 5 MHz | 15 years |
The long licence period gives the operators a stable framework for integrating the newly assigned frequencies into their network investment and technology strategies.
Technical Conditions Include Interference Coordination
The frequency licences also carry technical obligations designed to ensure efficient coexistence between neighbouring spectrum users.
Successful operators must comply with applicable national technical standards covering radio equipment, electromagnetic compatibility and radio-frequency exposure.
They must also coordinate with licence holders using adjacent frequencies to prevent harmful interference and comply with the results of international frequency coordination in border areas.
These requirements are particularly important for low-band mobile frequencies because radio signals can propagate over considerable distances, including across national borders.
Vietnam's Recent Mobile Spectrum Auction Sequence
The 900 MHz process forms part of a broader sequence of spectrum assignments undertaken as Vietnam accelerates the development of its digital infrastructure.
| Year | Band | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.6 GHz | Additional mobile broadband and 5G capacity |
| 2024 | 3.7 GHz | Mid-band 5G capacity |
| 2025 | 700 MHz | Low-band mobile broadband coverage |
| 2026 | 900 MHz | Refarmed legacy mobile spectrum for 4G/5G and future IMT use |
The progression illustrates a multi-band spectrum strategy that combines low frequencies needed for geographic coverage with wider mid-band resources required for network capacity.
Summary of Vietnam's 2026 900 MHz Spectrum Auction
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Auctioned band | 900–915 MHz paired with 945–960 MHz |
| Spectrum configuration | FDD |
| Number of blocks | 3 paired blocks |
| Bandwidth per block | 2 × 5 MHz |
| Total spectrum assigned | 2 × 15 MHz |
| VNPT | C3-C3': 900–905 / 945–950 MHz |
| Viettel | C4-C4': 905–910 / 950–955 MHz |
| Vietnamobile | C5-C5': 910–915 / 955–960 MHz |
| Reserve price per block | VND 1,056,943,950,000 |
| Winning prices | Approximately VND 1.079 trillion for VNPT and VND 1.077 trillion each for Viettel and Vietnamobile |
| Combined proceeds | More than VND 3 trillion; approximately VND 3.23 trillion based on the regulator's rounded winning-price figures |
| Licence duration | 15 years from effective date |
| Primary future use | 4G, 5G and later mobile technologies |
| Auction concluded | 9 September 2026 |
Outlook for Vietnam's 900 MHz Mobile Networks
The 2026 auction transforms part of Vietnam's longest-established mobile spectrum into a resource for the next stage of broadband network development.
Rather than introducing an entirely new frequency range, the process reallocates spectrum historically associated with GSM and places it under new long-term licences designed for more spectrally efficient mobile technologies.
VNPT, Viettel and Vietnamobile each emerge from the auction with a contiguous 2 × 5 MHz frequency pair. The assignments provide all three successful bidders with low-band spectrum capable of supporting wide-area network coverage while complementing Vietnam's growing portfolio of 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.7 GHz mobile frequencies.
The timing is particularly significant. The auction concluded on 9 September 2026, only one week before Vietnam's nationwide GSM shutdown took effect on 16 September. The transition therefore links the end of the country's 2G era directly with the redistribution of valuable 900 MHz spectrum for newer mobile technologies.
With 15-year licences now associated with the three blocks, the focus shifts from spectrum assignment to network implementation and the extent to which the operators use the refarmed frequencies to improve 4G coverage, strengthen 5G availability and support Vietnam's continuing growth in mobile broadband performance.
Full spectrum allocation details for Vietnam are available here: https://www.spectrum-tracker.com/Vietnam