Mobile Network System
Do you know which city in Vietnam has the highest cellphone per capita rate? To many's surprise, Binh Duong emerges as the lead in a recent survey, Ho Chi Minh City comes second and Hanoi is pretty far behind.
As of 2025, it has been over two decades since the launch of the first mobile network in Vietnam, and the market has undergone significant transformation and growth.
Currently, there are seven mobile network providers operating in Vietnam: Viettel, MobiFone, VinaPhone, Vietnam Mobile (formerly HT Mobile), Indochina Telecom, EVN Telecom, and S-Fone. The GSM technology, using 900/1800MHz frequencies, is predominant among the first three networks, while Vietnam Mobile continues to offer services under the CDMA banner. S-Fone has shifted its focus primarily on GSM technology, moving past its original CDMA framework. The introduction of 5G technology has also made an impact, with major providers including Viettel and MobiFone gaining approval from the Ministry of Information and Communications to deliver high-speed 5G services throughout urban areas. 
Photo: goldidea.com
Among these networks, Viettel leads with the largest customer base, followed closely by MobiFone, with VinaPhone in third place. A recent survey conducted among 4,000 mobile phone subscribers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City revealed that MobiFone continues to be recognized for providing the highest quality service. The network received an impressive rating of 4.02 out of 5 from prepaid subscribers and 4.05 out of 5 from postpaid subscribers. Viettel follows, scoring ratings of 3.97 and 4.00, respectively. VinaPhone comes in third, with ratings of 3.88 and 3.85, respectively.
Collectively, these three GSM-based networks dominate the market, constituting over 90% of mobile subscriptions and are fully state-owned. While the GSM sector continues to thrive, CDMA-based networks have struggled to establish a firm foothold. Vietnam Mobile announced its transition to GSM technology, capitalizing on its advantages in speed and reliability. On the other hand, EVN Telecom has faced challenges in developing its E-Mobile services, while S-Fone continues to grapple with competition from the more established GSM networks.
