Viettel Group is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies on the research, design, development, and manufacturing of 6G base stations, with the goal of conducting the first pre-commercial 6G call in early 2029 using systems and equipment researched, developed, and manufactured by Viettel Group. The collaboration reflects Viettel Group’s long-term focus on mastering core telecommunications technologies and strengthening its role in next-generation digital infrastructure.
As 6G development moves from early research toward future commercialization, the ability to participate in platform development from an early stage is becoming increasingly important for telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and technology partners. Through this cooperation, Viettel Group aims to build products in parallel with Qualcomm’s 6G platform roadmap and prepare for the next phase of advanced wireless connectivity.
ADVANCING FROM 5G TO 6G TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Viettel Group has become the first global partner to sign an early access program for Qualcomm’s 6G platform. Under the collaboration, Qualcomm will provide the chipset technology platform, while Viettel Group will be responsible for research, design, development, integration, manufacturing, testing, and quality assessment of 6G base station products.
This structure reflects a clear division of technical capabilities and responsibilities. Qualcomm contributes its chipset platform and development tools, while Viettel Group applies its telecommunications engineering capabilities to develop, integrate, manufacture, and validate equipment for future 6G systems. The two sides will also assess product quality and optimize performance under real-world operating conditions and scenarios.
BUILDING ON 5G OPEN RAN EXPERIENCE
The 6G collaboration builds on previous cooperation between Viettel Group and Qualcomm in 5G Open RAN equipment. According to the source content, this equipment has been widely deployed across Viettel’s network, creating a practical foundation for further joint research and development in next-generation telecommunications.
Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership noted that Viettel Group’s rapid commercial deployment of 5G Open RAN provides a model for other network operators and supports the foundation for deeper collaboration in new technologies. This experience is important because 6G development will require not only laboratory research, but also the ability to test, optimize, and operate equipment in practical network environments.
For Viettel Group, this progression from 5G Open RAN to 6G research reinforces a broader strategic direction: moving beyond network operation toward deeper participation in core technology development, equipment manufacturing, and advanced telecom infrastructure.
PREPARING FOR AI-NATIVE NETWORKS
The future 6G network is expected to be significantly different from previous generations of mobile technology. According to the alliance vision referenced in the source content, 6G networks are envisioned as AI-native platforms, designed with artificial intelligence from the beginning rather than adding AI as a secondary feature.
This direction expands the scope of 6G beyond wireless connectivity alone. The technology is expected to integrate three core pillars: connectivity, wide-area sensing, and high-performance computing capabilities. As a result, 6G cooperation may extend into areas such as high-performance computing, data center servers, sensor technology, autonomous AI devices, and next-generation wireless systems.
This broader technology scope aligns with Viettel Group’s expanding capabilities across telecommunications, AI, cloud, data infrastructure, and digital platforms. It also reflects the changing role of telecom networks as intelligent infrastructure capable of supporting future digital services, industrial applications, and AI-enabled operations.
MASTERING CORE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
A central objective of the collaboration is technology mastery. Viettel Group’s leadership has emphasized that the first pre-commercial 6G call should be made on systems and equipment researched, developed, and manufactured by Viettel Group itself. This ambition reflects the company’s commitment to building long-term capabilities in strategic technology areas rather than relying solely on external solutions.
Early access to Qualcomm’s 6G platform and development tools allows Viettel Group to develop products in parallel with the platform’s evolution. This can help shorten research timelines and support earlier product readiness once 6G chipset technologies become commercially available. At the same time, Qualcomm can expand its 6G technology development ecosystem and verify its platform on real-world products.
Through this cooperation, Viettel Group is strengthening its position as a technology and telecommunications enterprise from Vietnam with growing capabilities in advanced network systems, equipment development, and international collaboration.
CONNECTING VIETNAMESE TECHNOLOGY WITH GLOBAL ECOSYSTEMS
For Viettel America, this collaboration highlights Viettel Group’s broader role in connecting Vietnamese technology capabilities with global innovation ecosystems, including the United States. As telecommunications continues to evolve toward AI-native networks, high-performance computing, and next-generation digital infrastructure, international cooperation will remain essential to technology development and commercialization.
Through continued investment in 5G, 6G, AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, Viettel Group is contributing to the next stage of telecommunications innovation while expanding opportunities for collaboration with partners, enterprises, and technology ecosystems in international markets.
