Vietnam suspends mobile network licensing
The Vietnamese government will not license any new mobile phone projects in order to secure the quality of approved mobile phone networks.
The announcement was made after the government turned down the proposal of Vietnam Television (VTV) to open a new mobile phone network in the country.
VTV, backed by some government agencies including the Ministry of Post and Telecoms, earlier asked for the government's permission for a mobile phone license.
The government rejected the bid, but will however allow VTV to form a partnership with licensed mobile phone service providers.
According to the Ministry of Posts and Telecoms, the current telecom infrastructure is able to support six licensed mobile phone networks.
There are five firms currently servicing the country, including Vinaphone, MobiFone, S-Fone, Viettel, EVN Telecom, and Hanoi Telecom.
Vietnam now has over seven million of mobile phone subscribers with Vinaphone and MobiFone getting a majority of the subscribers at 3.5 million and 2.6 million, respectively.
Telecom Asia / Vietnam News - November 7, 2005.
VNPT plans to list mobile units
The Vietnam Post and Telecommunications (VNPT) plans to complete the equitization of MobiFone and VinaPhone and put their shares on the stock market in 2006. Industry observers said the two mobile phone service providers attract great interest from investors, as they have established popular trademarks.
MobiFone's asset in terms of subscribers is seen reaching more than $1 billion if each subscriber is valued at $50, while that of VinaPhone is seen reaching $1.6 billion.
VNPT has already listed four subsidiaries on the stock market, including Cable and Telecommunication Material Company, the Telecommunications Joint Stock Company, the Hanoi Post and Telecommunication Construction Joint Stock Company, and the Posts and Telecommunications Equipment Factory.
The VNPT has so far completed the equitization of 26 affiliated enterprises. Nine others are conducting necessary procedures.
Telecom Asia /Asia Pulse - November 7, 2005.
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