Viettel High Tech, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully deploying the world’s first 5G Open RAN (O-RAN) network equipment. This accomplishment involves the utilization of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge 5G RAN Platforms, including the Qualcomm® X100 5G RAN Accelerator Card and Qualcomm® QRU100 5G RAN Platform. Viettel, a leading 5G Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and network operator, achieved this groundbreaking feat within a remarkable 8-month timeframe from the initial design showcase at the Mobile World Congress 2023 to the live deployment.

The 5G gNodeB, situated in Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam, operates within a network cluster deployed by Viettel since 2021. This area, representing a typical urban 5G deployment scenario, facilitated the optimization of the 5G equipment as it handles high subscriber density and significant data traffic. Viettel leveraged its dual role as an operator and OEM to expedite the development process, capitalizing on the live network environment for continuous refinement.

In the real-network deployment, the 32T32R 5G gNodeB achieved impressive downlink throughput of 850Mbps, showcasing its performance comparable to global vendors’ offerings. Following the successful deployment in Vietnam, Viettel plans to introduce these 5G Open RAN products across its eleven international markets and extend collaboration with other global operators.

Nguyen Vu Ha, CEO of Viettel High Tech, highlighted the challenges in achieving a balance between factors such as high capacity, low latency, and reasonable costs in deploying robust 5G infrastructure. The collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies aims to address these critical factors, positioning Viettel as a reputable global provider in the 5G landscape.