>> 3G service only being used by 5%

With the 2G service market for mobile and laptop users seemingly almost saturated, mobile service providers are tapping the lucrative growing 3G market.

Fierce competition over 3G services is set to heat up

While Viettel is to launch a new promotional programme for DCOM 3G to prepaid subscribers, MobiFone and VinaPhone have the same plans for its 3G USB clients.

VinaPhone has fixed its monthly tariff for unlimited service at VND300,000 (USD14.5). While MobiFone have gone for a VND600,000-1 million (USD29-48) package.

From June, prepaid subscribers of Viettel’s DCOM 3G have been provided with two new features, including unlimited time and capacity use for credited accounts for VND120,000 (USD5.79).

Telecom experts said that the provision of unlimited capacity 3G usage is in reality a means of slashing service fees.

With this impressive move, along with its dominant position in the 2G market, Viettel may surpass its rivals unless VinaPhone and MobilFone take drastic measures, they noted.

In response, VinaPhone and MobiFone are mulling over plans to slash their service fees.

As the competition for 3G market share heats up, competition over 3G USB sales has intensified.

After the announcement of their DCOM 3G package, Viettel introduced their 7.8-Mbps 3G USB at VND780,000 (USD37.68). A short time later, MobiFone and VinaPhone followed with decreased prices to VND799,000 from earlier 1.2 million (USD38.6-57.97) for their units.

In order to better compete with Viettel, VinaPhone and MobileFone have both lengthened their promotional period to nine months, three months longer than Viettel. They are also allowing their clients to use any three 3G network services.

A Viettel official said, “With the widest 3G coverage, we’re encouraging our clients just to use the Viettel 3G network service and promise to ensure the best quality service whenever or wherever they are.”