(DT) - The actual numbers of 3G network subscribers in Vietnam are much lower than the numbers that mobile operators had previously suggested.The latest survey by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) reveals that Viettel and Vinaphone only have 1.5 million subscribers each, while Mobifone has 4 million. In the 9 months since the 3G network was deployed in the country, the 3 largest mobile operators combine for only 7 million subscribers in total, half the number that these operators had claimed.
According to many telecommunications experts, the number 7 million could still be an overestimate considering subscribers to 3G services were included regardless of how much or how frequently they used the network.
Deputy Director Nguyen Xuan Tru, from the Department of Telecommunications, said this data reflects the slow development of 3G in Vietnam.
Currently, Vietnamese mobile consumers mainly use their 3G network to access Internet, while other value-added services - a major source of income for 3G network operators, have not been effectively utilised. This means a huge waste of resources on the 3G network.
To date In Vietnam, there are 4 mobile operators that provide 3G services (Vinaphone, Mobifone, Viettel and EVN Telecom), but the content of these providers services are not much different from one another, if not,the same: Mobile Internet, Video Call, Mobile Camera, Mobile TV.
Many experts think that the reason behind these limited service options is inadequate agreements between the digital content distributors and the mobile operators. Meanwhile, if a service was made special and suitable to the consumer market, it would likely draw large numbers of subscribers.
Agreeing with this opinion, Director Pham Hong Hai, from the Department of Telecommunications, said that currently, global users mainly use their 3G network to download music, but not so much for video call or even browsing the internet on their mobiles. Vietnamese 3G network providers need to find services that are culturally suitable to the country, not just simply apply global trends to Vietnam, he said.
Before entering the 3G race, mobile operators had foreseen that it would not be an easy competition. If not dealt with properly, any providers could easily go bankrupt, according to Viettel managers. Nevertheless, billions of dollars have been poured into the 3G race.
The mobile operators estimated that their capital can be recovered in 5 years, but according to experts, at the current rate of 3G network development, this goal would be unattainable.
