Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

Vietnam is set to enhance its Internet connectivity with the installation of a new terrestrial fibre-optic cable by August. This development aims to improve stability, especially amid frequent undersea cable disruptions.

 

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Pham Duc Long, revealed that the cable will connect Vietnam with Laos, Thailand, and Singapore, initially offering a capacity of 2 Tbps. This could be increased to 12 Tbps as needed. Compared to undersea cables, terrestrial options provide greater reliability despite higher installation costs and often serve as essential backups.

 

In recent times, Vietnam’s reliance on undersea cables has faced challenges, with four out of five experiencing disturbances in 2023. Consequently, terrestrial networks have become crucial for maintaining global connectivity.

 

Although details of Vietnam’s terrestrial network remain sparse, the country's undersea cables boast a combined capacity of 54 Tbps, with usage surpassing 24 Tbps as of March. In April, telecom giant Viettel introduced the new ADC undersea cable, capable of handling 50 Tbps.

 

A June report from the Authority of Telecommunications highlighted plans to add at least two more international terrestrial cables by 2030. This move aligns with the goal of having terrestrial connections account for at least 15% of Vietnam's total bandwidth.

 

Resolution 57 of the Politburo emphasises the creation of advanced digital infrastructure with ultra-high capacity and bandwidth. The telecom sector targets achieving at least half the number of 5G base stations as 4G ones by 2025.

 

Moreover, the licensing and pilot implementation of low Earth orbit satellite telecommunications services may commence by the end of the year. The Ministry of Science and Technology will also support firms in establishing Vietnam's first domestic international undersea cable, directly linking with Singapore, with agreements expected by early 2026.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-17

 

 

That's great news. Those internet slowdowns in the past due to sharks attacking the undersea cables really were a nuisance.

But nothing has improved, Vietnam Internet is so poor compared to neighbouring countries. 

They blame that the undersea cable keeps breaking due to Chinese fisherman boats and sharks but I honestly think that it's the Government Firewall slowing it down ! 

I pay for 300/300 Viettel connection and I consider myself fortunate if I hit 200/75 on speed checks. 

20 hours ago, QPRFC said:

But nothing has improved, Vietnam Internet is so poor compared to neighbouring countries. 

They blame that the undersea cable keeps breaking due to Chinese fisherman boats and sharks but I honestly think that it's the Government Firewall slowing it down ! 

I pay for 300/300 Viettel connection and I consider myself fortunate if I hit 200/75 on speed checks. 

 

I worked in Vn for about 50% of the time / 50% in Thailand, overall 10 years. In Vn I lectured courses at local Unis (Enlish programs), and joint venture unis Vn and western (mostly Australian) unis. And we needed to have online access for projects / case studies etc. Speed/ stability, down time etc., never a problem.

 

Always stayed in 4 star hotel in Hi Chi Minh and Hanoi. again never any problem with internet service.