VN ready for 3G phone services: Deputy Minister

VGP - “It’s now the best time to apply 3G (third generation) technology” in order to offer users with better mobile phone services and more added value ones, Mr. Lê Nam Thắng, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications said at an online talk on September 20.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Lê Nam Thắng at the online talk in Hà Nội, September 20, 2009

The demand for broadband services has become bigger and bigger, while prices of relevant technologies and equipment have reduced considerably, Deputy Minister Thắng explained, noting that local mobile phone services providers have already recouped their investment in 2G technology.

3G phone services will not only provide customers with high-grade SMS and voice services, but also high-speed data transmission, e-commerce, mobile Internet, online banking and entertainment services.

Besides, the use of 3G technology to bring the Internet to post offices, schools and administrative offices in faraway areas will be more economical than that of cable or satellite technologies, said Mr. Thắng.

He asserted that the new technology will greatly benefit not only the information sector but the society as a whole because the application of e-technologies will facilitate economic development.

On August 13, the Ministry of Information and Communications granted 3G licenses to Viettel, VinaPhone, MobiFone, and a joint venture of EVN Telecom and Hanoi Telecom.

By Ngọc Vân