HA NOI — FPT Telecom Joint Stock Company has successfully trialed mobile WiMax, a wireless telecommunications technology that will develop the broadband mobile market and offer internet services without a landline.WiMax, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, provides wireless transmission using a variety of modes from point-to-multipoint links for portable and mobile internet access.The trials were performed by the company on moving internet users within Ha Noi, with such services as video streaming, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and internet access, with technical assistance from Japan partners, NEC and Mitsubishi."The results opened many opportunities for us to develop and provide mobile telecommunications services," said FPT Telecom director Nguyen Dinh Hung. "Our goal is to integrate all services into a single broadband connection."Hung said WiMax had great potential to grow in Viet Nam where the level of physical broadband connectivity was now just 1.4 million households per 18 million and it would be expensive, time consuming and complex to deliver conventional wired lines to every house.The trial frequency was 2.3 Ghz. A WiMax network can provide a connection capacity of up to 15 Mbps within a radius of 3km.Four other operators have also been granted licences to experiment with the technology: EVN Telecom, Viettel, the VTC and the Viet Nam Post and Telecommunications Group’s VDC."The Ministry of Information and Communications has not had any concrete plan to expedite the licensing process, so it’s too early to have any specific plan for the WiMax to be commercialised in the next few months," Hung toldViet Nam News last Friday."We will have to carefully assess both the market response and the availability of relevant hardware. As WiMax is still under certification process, getting a specific launch date for the Vietnamese market is problematic."Hung said, however, the company was "well-prepared and ready for Wimax now," and a Government licence was "the key to start launching the service."FPT Telecom quoted US market researcher Juniper as estimating there would be about 80 million WiMax subscribers worldwide by 2013, with the leading markets to be Japan, South Korea and the USA. — VNS
Monthly Archives: February 2009
Swift action brings internet to schools
HA NOI — A programme ensuring internet access at all educational institutions across the country that was launched five months ago has seen swift progress, and a Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) official says the work could be completed one year ahead of schedule.General director of the ministry’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department Quach Tuan Ngoc said it was initially planned to implement the programme’s final phase in remote and mountainous areas in 2010."However, the plan was changed and installation has already started in both urban and disadvantaged areas," he said.However, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome, including installing internet lines in the most remote localities."One of the difficulties is the installation of poles for internet wire," said Ngoc."As a result, we will ask for co-operation from relevant sectors to take advantage of existing electric poles."The programme, which is jointly implemented by the MoET and the military-run telecom provider Viettel, aims to provide internet connections to all provincial education and training offices, universities, grade schools and kindergartens across the country. When the work is complete, 63 local education and training offices in cities and provinces and almost 600 universities and colleges will have access to the internet via optic-fibre cable systems. More than 39,000 grade schools and kindergartens will get internet services as well, and the State will cover installation and monthly fees. The ministry estimated that the programme will benefit more than 27 million people.As of October last year, about 62 per cent of 27,000 grade schools and 11,500 kindergartens across the country still didn’t have access to the internet.Ngoc said that since then, internet access has been supplied to 6,000 grade schools through the programme.He added that the ministry hoped to bring international standard IT applications to several cities and provinces within the year.According to Nguyen Manh Hung, deputy general director of Viettel, the programme has been implemented at all local education and training departments, but work was still cut out at schools."The difficulties started to appear when we turned our focus to schools, due to their huge number: almost 40,000 schools in different locations, including many in remote areas," he said.For remote areas, Viettel plans to use advanced technology such as the general packet radio services (GPRS) system, which is used by GSM mobile phones, or the enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE).
Software outsourcing firms hit by economic slump
Software companies are getting hurt by the economic downturn, with outsourcing orders drying up rapidly.
Ngo Vi Dong, general director of IT and communication service provider HPT, said many Japanese clients have delayed or canceled contracts since they cannot afford or do not need to outsource work at the moment.
Nguyen Duc Quynh, deputy general director of FPT Software, said his company has felt the pain caused by the global recession since mid-2008 when customers began to cut the size of deals or canceled them.
The situation could be even worse this year, he said.
Chu Tien Dung, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association (HCA), said many outsourcing companies are, in fact, on the verge of bankruptcy.
The main outsourcing markets were Japan, North America and the European Union, the HCA had said at a seminar late last year.
Le Quang Thanh, director of the HCMC branch of CMS, said the government should place orders for software and hardware from domestic firms to give them a boost.
Nguyen Van Hien, general director of iNet Solution, said the government should help software firms promote outsourcing products in foreign markets.
The HCA plans to organize a meeting with software companies next month to discuss measures to support the sector.
According to the Vietnam National Institute of Software and Digital Content Industry, outsourcing revenues increased from around US$20 million in 2002 to $180 million in 2007.
It added that Vietnam has around 150 companies engaged in outsourcing work, each employing 100-150 programmers on average
Law forbids domain name trading
The deputy director of the Viet Nam Internet Network Information Centre, Tran Minh Tan spoke to Buu Dien Viet Nam (Viet Nam Post) about internet management and the use of Viet Nam’s ‘.vn’ domain name.What are the aims of the Ministry of Information and Communications’ two recent circulars?These two circulars’ aim is to adjust regulations over Internet resource management and use. Circular 09/2008/TT-BTTTT provides guidance on management and use of Internet in general including domain names, website addresses and network number signs, while Circular 10/2008/TT- BTTTT sets out how to resolve disputes over Viet Nam’s national domain name, ‘.vn’. These two circulars are based on the Law of Information Technology and Decree No. 97/2008/ND-CP on management, supply and use of information on the internet. In other words, they are specific regulations of managing internet use.Regarding domain names, there are three key changes:Firstly, domain registries will be made by the responsible authorities for those who want to register to use the ‘.vn’ domain name. They have taken over the responsibility from the VNNIC, and this move is based on equality and priority for those who register first.Secondly, domain names cannot include words or phrases that violate national interests or cause misunderstandings. Domain owners are required to be legally responsible for use of the names, register information accurately and watch out for any cases violating the legal rights and interests of other individuals or organisations.Thirdly, rules on resolving domain disputes are specified in these two circulars, which basically follow the Law of Information Technology which outlines the need for internal negotiations, negotiations through referees, and if the dispute couldn’t be resolved, then taking the matter to court.Circular 09 also states that registering domain names will not necessarily guarantee brand names and commercial copyrights. Those who only register their brand names online would not be protected in the market and vice versa.How are domain names being managed at present?VNNIC is still the representative agency of MIC in managing the national Domain Name System (DNS), and regulating all the technical systems of the ‘.vn’ domain name. The nation’s main host computers are still managed by VNNIC.Domain registries including both domestic and foreign organisations are selected by VNNIC based on their qualified legal status and technological and networks abilities. According to the regulations, those who register for the ‘.vn’ domain can use either domestic or foreign host computers, however, only those who are using domestic ones are supported by VNNIC.Is it possible to trade or exchange domain names?According to the Law of Information Technology and the Ordinance of Post and Telecommunications, domain names are a national information resource. Therefore, although the trade and exchange of ‘.vn’ domain names is not mentioned in Circular 09, domain names are still under the administration of the law and not allowed to be traded or exchanged. The draft Law of Telecommunications will provide detailed regulations on this issue and it will be submitted to the Government later this year.Domain names around the world are considered as commercial goods that can be traded, yet in Viet Nam this is not the case. What are the reasons for this?In terms of domain names, it is necessary to distinguish national and international domain names. According to general international rule, shared international domain names such as ‘.com’ or ‘.info’ are commercial goods. However, national domain names are under the management of functional agencies that must follow the State’s policies. Almost all nations regard national domain names as information resources in order to ensure national security on the Internet. National domain management does vary between countries. — VNS
Telecoms boast business bonanza
HA NOI — There are now almost as many phones in Viet Nam as there are people.As many as 85 per cent of the country’s population are mobile phone users, with 97.5 per cent of the population able to access phone services either through a mobile service provider or a fixed line, according to the General Statistics Office(GSO).This puts Viet Nam on a par with many other developed countries in terms of telephone use.More than 3.2 million new subscribers were registered last month alone, bringing the total number of telephone subscribers in Viet Nam to 82.5 million, according to the GSO.The country’s telecom sector earned a revenue of nearly VND93 trillion (US$5.6 billion) – up 39.1 per cent for last year, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications.Viet Nam’s two biggest firms, the VNPT and Viettel, which control over 90 per cent of the telecom market, said the reason for the gains was the result of a fast-growing customer base.The Viet Nam Post and Telecommunication Group (VNPT), owners of MobiFone and Vinaphone – the country’s oldest mobile carriers, posted a twofold increase in its profits compared to last year.MobiFone’s revenue in 2008 reached VND 17.5 trillion with a total profit of VND 5.8 trillion. Vinaphone earned VND14 trillion last year, a year-on-year growth rate of 35 per cent.MobiFone and Vinaphone have 30 million and 16 million mobile subscribers, respectively.Meanwhile, military-run telecom company Viettel said its gross profit last year was double that of 2007, reaching nearly VND8 trillion ($471 million).The Ha Noi-based firm earned a revenue of more than VND33 trillion last year, 26 per cent above the combined revenue for the eight years up to 2007, the company revealed in a statement. It did not give a net profit figure.Last year Viettel expanded its mobile phone network to cover the entire country, serving 28 million subscribers or 40 per cent of Viet Nam’s total mobile subscribers. Its 51,300km optic cable network connected all communes, the statement said.Viettel is running a $30 million internet data joint venture with Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom, of which it owns 70 per cent.In 2006, it became Viet Nam’s first telecoms firm to invest abroad when it started Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services in Cambodia, and later mobile phone, fixed-line and internet services.
Viettel completes broadband network
VietNamNet Bridge – The Military Telecom Corporation (Viettel) said last Friday that it has completed the installation of a broadband network connecting educational institutions in the city.The completion of the network, which started in November 2008, helps connect 1,380 schools, colleges, universities, vocational schools and other educational facilities across the city to serve teaching, studying, scientific research as well as management.
Alibaba.com and Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Center tie up to promote e-commerce
Alibaba.com, the global leader in B2B e-commerce, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Center ("VITIC"), part of the Vietnam government’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, to promote the development of e-commerce and to facilitate international trade for Vietnamese small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).Under the terms of the MOU, Alibaba.com will advise VITIC in the development of its e-commerce project and assist Vietnamese SMEs to learn about and participate in global trade.Suppliers from Vietnam will also be promoted on Alibaba.com’s online marketplace to buyers around the world. The two organizations will collaborate to bring Gold Supplier international edition, Alibaba.com’s premium level paid membership product, to the Vietnam market and aim to implement a pilot sales program there this year."International buyers are looking beyond traditional export markets like China to source products and Vietnam is emerging as a popular base of low cost, good quality products," said Sabrina Peng, Vice President of Alibaba.com.Vietnam is already one of the top 10 garment exporters in the world and demand for Vietnamese footwear, seafood, coffee and furniture is on the rise.Alibaba.com has close to 100,000 members from Vietnam and we saw our registered users there jump by 140 percent in 2008.By cooperating with VITIC we can assist many more Vietnamese suppliers to move their business online and reap the benefits of global trade."Vietnam’s foreign trade has been growing fast since the early 90s and after a long process of integration with international markets, Vietnam entered the WTO in January 2007. In 2008, the total export volume of Vietnam reached US$62.9 billion with export growth averaging 20 percent over the last decade. Vietnam’s principal exports in 2008 included crude oil (16.7 percent), textiles and garments (14.4 percent), footwear (4.7 percent) and fisheries products (4.6 percent) and its main export destinations are the United States, Japan, China, Europe, Australia and Singapore. China is rising in importance as a trading partner with Vietnam. In 2008, the total trade value between Vietnam and China reached US$19.5 billion, an increase of 29 percent compared to 2007. In the first quarter of 2009, the trade value between the two countries was US$3.8 billion, of which China exported US$2.8 billion to Vietnam and Vietnamese exports to China amounted to US$943 million.(Source: Vietnam Customs)
Ministry of Finance looks to Microsoft for IT fixes
HA NOI – Microsoft Viet Nam will develop IT solutions for the operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoF), as well as to help ensure compliance with the Law on Intellectual Property and Viet Nam’s international commitments on copyright and software licensing, under a memorandum of understanding signed yesterday with the ministry’s Information and Communication Centre.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of the importance of applying information technology to the ministry’s business operations,” said centre director Ngo Duc Thang.
“Directive No870 from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem, on promoting application and development of information technology in the field of foreign affairs, clearly states that the enhancement of the quality and efficiency of foreign affairs is required in the process of proactive and positive international integration.”
Pursuant to the MoU, Microsoft Viet Nam will survey the ministry’s IT situation in order to provide consultation on designing and implementing a Standard IT Frame Architecture and an IT development roadmap through 2015. Microsoft Viet Nam will provide financial support to the ministry for the survey, consultancy, and design fees. It will also provide training to the ministry’s specialised IT staff.
To ensure the ministry’s compliance with intellectual property laws and international commitments, Microsoft Viet Nam will also provide licences to the ministry for all Microsoft software currently in use by the ministry.
Microsoft Viet Nam country manager Christophe Desriac said, “I highly appreciate the goodwill of the Information Centre in being in compliance with the Law on Intellectual Property and software copyright.” – VNS
President praises disadvantaged children for work to help society
HA NOI – Strong effort put into studying and working would open a bright future for poor and disadvantaged children, President Nguyen Minh Triet said yesterday on the occasion of the International Children’s Day and the Action Month for Children.
In a meeting with 50 disadvantaged children who had achieved academic excellence, Triet stressed that their promising future was the result of their determination and will, and society’s support.
The President praised the children on their persistence and hard work and expressed his hope that they would overcome difficulties, continue studying well and do good jobs in the future.
The disadvantaged children had a right to be proud of their study achievements, which were considered contributions to society and construction of the country. The contributions were very meaningful, Triet said proudly.
He promised that the Party, State, community and enterprises would continue to care for children, particularly disadvantaged youth.
On this occasion, Triet thanked individuals and social organisations for joining hands with the Party and State in hunger alleviation and poverty reduction, and caring for the families of invalids and disadvantaged children.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, there are currently 24 million children in the country, including 1.6 million disadvantaged and 1.2 million disabled children.