General

Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system, but its performance continues to lag behind that of its more modern neighbours. Domestically, all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber optic cable or microwave radio relay networks. Main lines have been substantially increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly.

As of 2004, there were 10,124,900 main lines in use, and 4.96 million mobile phones in use. The international country code is 84. Two satellite earth stations are in use: Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region). Mobile phone numbers in Vietnam are shared by many mobile operators, including MobiFone, VinaPhone, Viettel, S-Fone, E-mobile.

Since 1997 Vietnam has been connected by two gateways: one in Hanoi which connects with Hong Kong and Australia, and the other in Ho Chi Minh City, which connects with the United States by Sprint. Internet usage remains low in comparison with that of other Asian nations, yet connectivity has increased rapidly over the past few years, thanks to an initiative by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.

There are five ISPs operating: Vietnam Data Communication Company (VDC), Corporation for Finance and Promoting Technology (FPT), Netnam Company, Saigon Post and Telecommunications Services Corporation (Saigon Postel Corporation, SPT) and Viettel Company.

Overview

Telephones - main lines in use :
4.402 million (2003)

Telephones - mobile cellular :
2.742 million (2003)

Telephone system:general assessment :
Vietnam is putting considerable effort into modernization and expansion of its telecommunication system, but its performance continues to lag behind that of its more modern neighbours
domestic: all provincial exchanges are digitalized and connected to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City by fiber-optic cable or microwave radio relay networks; main lines have been substantially increased, and the use of mobile telephones is growing rapidly
international: country code - 84; satellite earth stations - 2 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region)

Radio broadcast stations :
AM 65, FM 7, shortwave 29 (1999)

Television broadcast stations :
at least 7 (plus 13 repeaters) (1998)

Internet country code :
.vn

Internet hosts :
340 (2003)

Internet users :
3.5 million (2003)