Viettel Group, Qualcomm sign MoU in smart device development

Viettel Group, Qualcomm sign MoU in smart device development

Viettel Group and Qualcomm Strengthen Collaboration on Smart Device Development

Viettel Group, Vietnam’s largest telecommunications and technology corporation, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance joint research and development of smart devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technologies. The agreement, announced on August 14, 2025, aims to accelerate digital transformation initiatives in Vietnam and expand the companies’ global technological footprint.

Under the MOU, the two firms will focus on integrating AI and 5G into telecommunications infrastructure, smart cities, and industrial IoT solutions. Key priorities include developing AI-driven devices for sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation, as well as optimizing 5G networks through AI-based management systems. The collaboration also emphasizes technology transfer and R&D cooperation, enabling Vietnamese engineers to engage in global innovation projects.

This partnership builds on a 16-year history of cooperation between Viettel and Qualcomm, which includes the joint development of 3G/4G devices, low-cost Wi-Fi access points, and 5G Open RAN broadcasting stations. Notably, Viettel became the first global partner to deploy a 5G Open RAN station using Qualcomm chipsets in 2024, with plans to scale deployment to over 2,000 stations in 2025. The companies also co-developed the world’s first 5G AI Camera for smart traffic management, now deployed in Vietnam and exported internationally.

Viettel Chairman Tào Đức Thắng highlighted the agreement’s role in advancing Vietnam’s ambition to become a regional technology hub, stating it would facilitate the export of “Made in Vietnam” technology products. Qualcomm’s Alex Rogers emphasized the synergy between Viettel’s market expertise and Qualcomm’s technical capabilities, noting their shared commitment to accelerating AI and connectivity solutions.

The collaboration aligns with Vietnam’s national strategy to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP to 30% by 2030. By focusing on strategic technologies such as 5G/6G infrastructure, AI processing, and smart terminals, the partnership positions Vietnam to strengthen its position in global technology value chains.

This expansion of Viettel-Qualcomm cooperation underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving digital innovation and economic diversification in emerging markets.