View source for Viettel

{{Distinguish|Vettel|Vittel|Vittel (water)}}
{{Short description|Vietnamese multinational telecommunications company & defense contractor}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{about||the football club|The Cong-Viettel FC}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group
| logo_caption = Commercial logo
| image = Flag of Viettel.svg
| logo = File:Viettel Group en logo.svg
| image_caption = [[Military flag]] of Viettel as a unit under the [[Vietnam People's Army]]
| trading_name = Viettel<br>Viettel Group<ref>{{cite web |title=Nghị định 05/2018/NĐ-CP |url=https://congbao.chinhphu.vn/noi-dung-van-ban-so-05-2018-nd-cp-25553 |website=[[Government of Vietnam]] |date=2018-01-05}}</ref>
| native_name = Tập đoàn Công nghiệp - Viễn thông Quân đội
| native_name_lang = vi
| former_name = * Electronics and Information Equipment Corporation (Sigelco) – 1989
* Military Electronics and Telecommunications Company (Vietel) – 1995
| type = [[Limited liability company|One-member limited liability]] [[State-owned enterprise]]
| industry = [[Telecommunications industry|Telecommunications]]<br>[[Arms industry|Defence]]<br>[[Semiconductor industry|Semiconductor]]
| key_people = [[Major General|Maj. Gen.]] Tào Đức Thắng <br /> {{small|([[Chairperson|Chairman]] & [[CEO]])}}
| products = {{ubl|[[Landline|Fixed-line telephony]]|[[Mobile telephony]]|[[Broadband]]|[[Digital television]]|[[Internet Protocol television|IPTV]]|[[Defence industry]]}}
| brands = Go to [[#International|section]]
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{US$|{{To USD|172519.772|VNM|year=2023}}|year=2023}}{{nbsp}}billion<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://viettel.com.vn/vi/tin-tuc-va-su-kien/bao-cao/cong-bo-thong-tin-hoat-dong-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-nam-2023/|title=Viettel 2023 Report|website=Viettel Group}}</ref>
| revenue_year = 2023
| operating_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|{{To USD|46330.734|VNM|year=2023}}|year=2023}}{{nbsp}}billion<ref name="auto5"/>
| income_year = 2023
| net_income = {{Increase}} {{US$|{{To USD|35266.553|VNM|year=2023}}|year=2023}}{{nbsp}}billion<ref name="auto5"/>
| net_income_year = 2023
| assets = {{Increase}} {{US$|{{To USD|296248.968|VNM|year=2023}}|year=2023}}{{nbsp}}billion<ref name="auto5"/>
| assets_year = 2023
| equity = {{Increase}} {{US$|{{To USD|189654.156|VNM|year=2023}}|year=2023}}{{nbsp}}billion<ref name="auto5"/>
| equity_year = 2023
| owner = [[Government of Vietnam|State administration of Vietnam]] (100%)
| num_employees = 50,000 (2018)
| parent = [[Ministry of Defence (Vietnam)|Ministry of National Defence]]
| subsid = Viettel Telecom
| foundation = {{start date and age|df=y|1989|06|01}}
| location = Hanoi
| location_country = Vietnam
| homepage = {{URL|http://viettel.com.vn/}}
}}
The '''Military Industry and Telecoms Group''' ({{Langx|vi|Tập đoàn Công nghiệp - Viễn thông Quân đội|lit=the [[Vietnam People's Army|Army]] Industry - Telecommunications Group}}),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Viettel Report 2020 |url=https://viettel.com.vn/en/news-events/report/viettel-report-2020/ |website=Viettel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Công bố thông tin hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh năm 2021 |url=https://viettel.com.vn/vi/tin-tuc-va-su-kien/bao-cao/cong-bo-thong-tin-hoat-dong-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-nam-2021/ |website=Viettel |language=vi}}</ref> [[Trade name|trading as]] '''Viettel''' or '''Viettel Group''' ({{Lang|vi|Tập đoàn Viettel}}), is a Vietnamese [[State-owned enterprise|state-owned]] [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[telecommunications]], technology and [[manufacturing]] [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] headquartered in [[Hanoi]], [[Vietnam]]. The enterprise is under the direct administration of the [[Ministry of Defence (Vietnam)|Vietnam Ministry of National Defence]], making it a [[military]] enterprise and officially a ''major production unit'' under the [[People's Army of Vietnam|Vietnam People's Army]].
Viettel Group's pinnacle affiliate [[Viettel Telecom]] is currently the dominant network operator with the largest market share in Vietnamese telecommunications services market.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vietnam - Information and Communication Technologies |url=https://www.export.gov/apex/article2?id=Vietnam-Information-Technology |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=International Trade Administration |date=7 December 2018}}</ref> For 30 years, Viettel has grown from a construction company to a [[Conglomerate (company)|complex]] of five business lines including telecommunications and information technology (IT); research and manufacture of electronic and telecommunications equipment; defense industry; cyber security and digital services. Viettel is considered one of the largest and most effective state-owned enterprises of Vietnam, thanks to its high revenue, large contribution to the State budget and high brand value. Since 2000, Viettel has earned VND 1.78 quadrillion of revenue whereas its profit, owner's equity and return on equity reached VND 334 trillion, VND 134 trillion and 30%-40%, respectively. Viettel has spent VND 3,500 billion in CSR activities.<ref name="auto3">{{cite news |title=Viettel should be in world's top 10 telecom firms by 2025: PM |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/520777/viettel-should-be-in-worlds-top-10-telecom-firms-by-2025-pm.html#419v2MmHZ1JxeRZB.97 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Viet Nam News |date=3 June 2019}}</ref> Besides its well known civilian telecommunications sector, Viettel is becoming a significant [[defence contractor]] of Vietnam with the engagement of its noticeable subsidiaries [[Viettel High Tech]] and [[Viettel Aerospace|Viettel Aerospace Institute]] in developing, producing and supplying [[People's Army of Vietnam|Vietnam People's Army]] with many indigenous products and armaments such as [[Military communications|military communication devices]], [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|military drones]], [[Radar|surveillance radars]], and [[Missile|missiles]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Viettel on the way to becoming a world leading defense industry group |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/viettel-on-the-way-to-becoming-a-world-leading-defense-industry-group-527325 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=[[People's Army Newspaper]] |language=}}</ref>
{{As of|2018}}, Viettel had 50,000 employees inside and outside the country,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://vietteltelecom.vn/tin-tuc/chi-tiet/viettel-tiep-tuc-la-moi-truong-lam-viec-tot-nhat-nganh-cntt-vt-viet-nam/51985368|title=Viettel tiếp tục là môi trường làm việc tốt nhất ngành CNTT&VT Việt Nam|date=22 March 2017|newspaper=Viettel Telecom|access-date=22 March 2017}}</ref> and served 110 million subscribers.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://uadn.net/2014/09/22/vietnamese-mobile-operator-viettel-may-invest-in-3g-network-in-ukraine/ |title = Vietnamese mobile operator Viettel may invest in 3G network in Ukraine &#124;|date = 22 September 2014}}</ref>
==History==
===1989–1999: A construction company===
Electronics and Communication Equipment Corporation (SIGELCO), the forerunner of Viettel Group (Viettel), was established on 1 June 1989.<ref name="auto3"/>
In December 1992, SIGELCO applied for the State's permission for transforming into an Electronics and Communication Equipment Company under the management of the Signal Corps.<ref>Decree No. 388/HĐBT of the Council of Ministers on restructuring of State-owned enterprises</ref>
On 13 June 1995, the Prime Minister issued Notification No. 3179/DM-DN on the permission for the establishment of Military Electronics and Telecommunications Company. On 14 July 1995, the Minister of National Defense decided to officially change the company's name to Military Electronics and Telecommunications Company, VIETEL in short. At that time, Vietel was the second firm to get a business license for all telecommunications services in Vietnam.<ref>Decision No. 615/QĐ-QP dated 14 July 1995 of the Minister of Defense</ref>
On 1 July 1997, Vietel Post was established, first providing newspaper publishing services.<ref>{{cite news |title=VIETTEL POST JSC - SMARTPHONE APPLICATION |url=https://www.asia.stevieawards.com/viettel-post-jsc-smartphone-application |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards website}}</ref>
===2000–2009: A boom in telecommunications services market===
On 3 February 2000, Mr. Mai Liem Truc, General Director of the General Department of Post and Telecommunication signed a decision that allowed Vietel to pilot long-distance call services using VoIP technology. For the first time, Vietnam had an operator licensed to supply VoIP. On 15 October 2000, Vietel officially piloted VoIP service for Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route with "178 - your saving code" campaign. Vietel was the only VoIP service provider in Vietnam then. The campaign hit the market with a phenomenal success, bringing huge revenue and prestige to Vietel. They continued to expand the service to 62 more provinces (Hanoi and Ha Tay was separate at that time) and broke even only 9 months later.<ref name="auto">{{cite news |title=Viettel– 30-year history of miracles |url=http://special.vietnamplus.vn/viettel |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Vietnam Plus}}</ref>
On 5 December 2001, Vietel launched the international call service using VoIP technology. One year later, they launched the Internet service, connecting internationally at the speed of 2&nbsp;Mbit/s while costing only one third of the current price.<ref name="auto1">{{cite book |title=Vietnam Telecommunication Report Q1 2011. |publisher=Business Monitor International Ltd. |url=http://www.antconsult.vn/wp-content/uploads/Vietnam-telecommunications-Report-_19052011_BMI.pdf}}</ref>
On 28 October 2003, the Ministry of National Defense (MOD) changed the company's name to Military Telecommunications Company, Viettel in short, under the management of the Signal Corps.<ref>Decision No. 262/2003/QĐ-BQP dated 28 October 2003 of the Minister of Defence</ref> In March 2003, Viettel offered long-distance public switched telephone network (PSTN) call service in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.<ref>Knud E. S., Idongesit W., Albert G. (2017). Handbook on ICT in Developing Countries: 5G Perspective. River Publishers. P. 25.</ref>
On 9 January 2004, Viettel officially launched its current logo and brand identity.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel eyes global status in telecoms |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/275215/viettel-eyes-global-status-in-telecoms.html#KakG4t3yu6GpeZxS.97 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Viet Nam News |date=31 August 2015}}</ref>
On 27 April 2004, MOD moved Viettel from under the management of the Signal Corps to the MOD.<ref>Decision No. 51/QĐ-BQP dated 27 April 2004 of Minister of Defence on moving Viettel from under the management of Signal Corps to under the management of Ministry of Defence</ref>
On 15 October 2004, Viettel launched 098 mobile service.<ref name="auto"/>
On 6 April 2005, the company changed its name to Military Telecommunications Corporation under the management of MOD and its subordinate Centers and Factories were transformed into Subsidiaries.<ref>Decision No. 45/2005/QĐ-BQP dated 6 April 2005 of Minister of Defence on the establishment of Viettel</ref>
In 2006, Viettel established Viettel Cambodia supplying international call service, Internet and leased line services in Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel Provides Telecommunication for Cambodia |url=https://sggpnews.org.vn/science_technology/viettel-provides-telecommunication-for-cambodia-35260.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Sai Gon Giai Phong Online |date=8 June 2006}}</ref>
In 2007, Viettel introduced many key subsidiaries namely Viettel Telecom Corporation (by merging three large companies in Long-distance, Internet and Mobile),<ref>Decision No. 431/QĐ-TCTVTQĐ dated 21 March 2007 of the General Director of Viettel on the establishment of Viettel Telecom</ref> Viettel Technology Center<ref>Decision No. 854/QĐ-TCTVTQĐ dated 20 June 2007 of the General Director of Viettel on promulgating the ratification of the Regulation on functions, tasks, powers and organizations of Viettel R&D Center</ref> and Viettel Global Investment Joint Stock.<ref>2018 Annual Report of Viettel Global</ref>
In 2008, Viettel actively promoted their CSR activities such as sponsoring "We are soldiers" TV show, "Nhu chua he co cuoc chia ly" TV Show, "Trai tim cho em", "Operation Smile", and so on.<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel broadband network to link educational {{as written|estab|lisments [sic]}} |url=https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2008/09/26/viettel-broadband-network-to-link-educational-establisments |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=TeleGeography |date=26 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217095849if_/https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2008/09/26/viettel-broadband-network-to-link-educational-establisments/ |archive-date=17 December 2019}}</ref>
In 2009, Viettel Cambodia in Cambodia and Star Telecom (a partnership between Viettel and Lao Asia Telecom) in Laos went into operation under the brand names of Metfone<ref name="auto1"/> and Unitel<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel brings telecoms services to all corners of Laos |url=http://international.viettel.vn/news-detail/viettel-brings-telecoms-services-to-all-corners-of-laos |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Viettel International Center website |date=12 May 2016}}</ref> respectively.
On 14 December 2009, Military Telecommunications Corporation became Military Telecommunications Group under the management of the MOD.<ref>Decision No. 2079/QĐ-TTg dated 14 February 2009 of the Prime Minister on the establishment of Parent Company – Viettel Group under the management of Ministry of Defence on the basis of the organizational structure of Viettel</ref> After more than 5 years of providing mobile services, Viettel Mobile held 40% of market share in terms of the quantity of mobile subscribers, which was equivalent to 42.5 million active subscribers.<ref name="auto1"/>
[[File:Logo Viettel.svg|thumb|The logo and the Vietnamese slogan of Viettel before 2021.]]
===2010–2018: A global technology group===
On 25 March 2010, Viettel launched 3G services in 63 provinces and cities with 8,000 active 3G BTS throughout the country.<ref>{{cite news|title= Vietnam Telecommunication Report Q1 2011. |url=http://www.antconsult.vn/wp-content/uploads/Vietnam-telecommunications-Report-_19052011_BMI.pdf |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Business Monitor International Ltd.}}</ref>
On 8 September 2011, Viettel launched [[National Telecom S.A|Natcom]] telecommunications brand in Haiti after almost one year of preparation, claiming to be the mere company to offer full package of telecommunications services and 3G technology. Natcom was also the only telco that owned the unique international Internet port in Haiti via the 10&nbsp;Gbit/s cable line to [[Bahamas]] and the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel opens NATCOM telecom network in Haiti |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/politics/news/viettel-opens-natcom-telecom-network-in-haiti-424416|access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=People's Army Newspaper |date=8 September 2011}}</ref>
At the end of 2011, Viettel's production line for telecommunications and information technology (IT) equipment was put into operation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches its hi-tech industries corporation |url=http://viettelrd.com.vn/en/viettel-launches-its-hi-tech-industries-corporation |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Viettel Hi-tech Industries Corporation website}}</ref> The year of 2011 also marked exceptional milestones in Viettel's research and production such as the successful trial of disaster warning system,<ref>{{cite news|title=Vietnam tests its first tsunami warning system |url=https://www.vir.com.vn/vietnam-tests-its-first-tsunami-warning-system-6791.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam Investment Review |date=18 May 2011}}</ref> the launch of Viettel IDC's Song Than Data Center,<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel IDC inaugurates third data center |url=https://english.thesaigontimes.vn/17127/Viettel-IDC-inaugurates-third-data-center.html  |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=The Saigon Times |date=25 May 2011}}</ref> and the establishment of Viettel Research and Development Institute.<ref>Decision No. 3309/QĐ-BQP dated 12 September 2011 of the Minister of Defence on establishing Viettel Research and Development Center under Viettel Group.</ref>
On 5 December 2011, Viettel acquired original EVN Telecom.<ref>Decision No. 2151/QĐ-TTg dated 5 December 2011 of the Prime Minister on transferring EVN Telecom to Viettel Group</ref>
On 15 May 2012, Viettel launched Movitel mobile network in Mozambique.<ref>{{cite news|title=Movitel confirms official launch in 105 districts |url=https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2012/05/17/movitel-confirms-official-launch-in-105-districts/ |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=TeleGeography |date=17 May 2012}}</ref> At the beginning of October, the first batch of Sumo 2G V6206 mobile phones made by Viettel was officially introduced onto the market.<ref>{{cite news|title=Made-in-Vietnam phones only have plastic covers made in Vietnam |url=https://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/51277/made-in-vietnam-phones-only-have-plastic-covers-made-in-vietnam.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnamnet |date=30 October 2012}}</ref>
In 2013, at telecommunications and IT forums, the Group's leader declared Viettel's strategic transferral from a mobile network operator to a service provider.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel eyes entry into digital services market |url=http://mic.gov.vn/Pages/TinTuc/138557/Viettel-eyes-entry-into-digital-services-market.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Ministry of Information and Communications website |date=24 January 2019}}</ref> In March 2013, Telemor network was launched in Timor Leste.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel expands 4G coverage to all provinces of Timor-Leste |url=https://en.nhandan.com.vn/scitech/sci-tech/item/5385502-viettel-expands-4g-coverage-to-all-provinces-of-timor-leste.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Nhan Dan Online |date=31 July 2017}}</ref> In June 2013, Viettel would supply the PAVN with Vietnamese-made UAVs before the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thanhniennews.com/education-youth/vietnam-military-to-get-viettelmade-drones-by-years-end-18654.html | title=Vietnam military to get Viettel-made drones by year's end | publisher=Thanh Nien News | date=29 June 2013 | language=en | access-date=31 March 2021 }}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In July 2013, Viettel began production of military-grade radio equipment for the PAVN.<ref name="VN">{{cite web |url=http://vietstock.vn/PrintView.aspx?ArticleID=305414 |title=Những thành quả đầu tiên của công nghiệp quân sự Việt Nam |website=Vietstock.vn |date=17 July 2013 |author=Nguyễn Tuấn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722183419/http://vietstock.vn/PrintView.aspx?ArticleID=305414 |archive-date=22 July 2013 |access-date=17 March 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A short-range UAV known as the [[VT-Patrol]] was made before the end of 2013.
In 2014, Nexttel in Cameroon and Bitel in Peru went into business.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel Cameroon is now Nexttel |url=https://www.businessincameroon.com/telecom/1808-4987-viettel-cameroon-is-now-nexttel |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Business in Cameroon |date=18 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel sets foot on Peru |url=http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Viettel-sets-foot-on-Peru/201410/22710.vgp |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Online newspaper of the government |date=15 October 2014}}</ref> After 10 years of providing mobile services, Viettel started to focus on IT services, launching many digital services and solutions such as CA - digital signature service,<ref name="auto4">{{cite news|title=Viettel and MB provide Bankplus CA service for enterprises |url=http://bizhub.vn/tech/viettel-and-mb-provide-bankplus-ca-service-for-enterprises_8643.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam News Bizhub |date=21 November 2014}}</ref> SMAS - school management system,<ref>{{cite news|title=IT companies transforming outdated farm sector |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/IT-companies-transforming-outdated-farm-sector |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Nikkei Asian Review |date=24 January 2015}}</ref> Agri.One - farmer supporting solution, BankPlus – door-to-door money transferring application<ref name="auto4"/> and so on. On 25 February 2014, the company announced their success in manufacturing UAVs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/96281/viettel-develops-unmanned-military-aircraft.html |title=Viettel develops unmanned military aircraft |date=25 February 2016 |website=Vietnamnet.vn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430134814/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/96281/viettel-develops-unmanned-military-aircraft.html |archive-date=30 April 2014 |access-date=17 March 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Also in the same year, instead of sponsoring for various small programs, Viettel focused on large and significant CSR programs such as "Quy bo giong thoat ngheo",<ref>{{cite news|title=Firm foundation for Viettel to thrive sustainably |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/firm-foundation-for-viettel-to-thrive-sustainably-498618 |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=People's Army Newspaper |date=29 September 2018}}</ref> "Vi em hieu hoc"<ref>{{cite news|title=Over VND260 billion scholarships for studious students |url=https://sggpnews.org.vn/education/over-vnd260-billion-scholarships-for-studious-students-36206.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Sai Gon Giai Phong Online |date=29 October 2014}}</ref> and so on.
In March and October, 2015, Viettel launched [[Lumitel]] network in [[Burundi]] and [[Halotel]] in [[Tanzania]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel becomes first 4G service provider in Burundi |url=https://en.nhandan.com.vn/scitech/sci-tech/item/4087302-viettel-becomes-first-4g-service-provider-in-burundi.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Nhan Dan online |date=7 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches Tanzania services |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/277170/viettel-launches-tanzania-services.html#1WFKCR60jg0cJRZ9.97 |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam News |date=16 October 2015}}</ref> In Vietnam, Viettel is the first telco to pilot 4G services.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches 4G pilot in Ba Ria-Vung Tau |url=https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/12/11/viettel-launches-4g-pilot-in-ba-ria-vung-tau/ |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=TeleGeography |date=11 December 2015}}</ref>
In November, 2016, Viettel was officially granted the license to supply 4G services in Vietnam, declaring that they were able to produce infrastructure equipment for telecommunications network.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vietnam awards 4G licences to the big three cellcos |url=https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2016/10/18/vietnam-awards-4g-licences-to-the-big-three-cellcos/ |access-date=18 October 2016 |newspaper=TeleGeography |date=18 October 2016}}</ref> Spontaneously, the number of Viettel's international customers hit 35 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel to continue expanding its international market |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/viettel-to-continue-expanding-its-international-market-478844 |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=People's Army Newspaper |date=9 March 2017}}</ref>
On 18 April 2017, Viettel launched 4G telecommunications network in Vietnam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gói cước 4g viettel tháng |url=https://www.vietteldata.vn |website=www.vietteldata.vn}}</ref> Thanks to its nationwide coverage of up to 95%, Viettel became the first mobile network operator in the world to have nationwide 4G coverage right after launching. In the middle of 2017, Viettel's real time billing system (vOCS) was applied into practice.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news|title=Viettel reports massive revenue and profit |url=https://www.vir.com.vn/viettel-reports-massive-revenue-and-profit-55245.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam Investment Review |date=3 January 2018}}</ref>
In 2018, Viettel intensified their efforts to contribute to the development of e-Government with flagship products such as national immunization information management system, national population database, smart city, and national single window portal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches Viettel Business Solutions Corporation |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/467839/viettel-launches-viettel-business-solutions-corporation.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam News |date=15 October 2014}}</ref> On 19 July 2017, Viettel was officially recognized by the Government as a Defense and Security Enterprise.<ref>Decision No. 1059/QĐ-TTg dated 19 July 2017 of the Prime Minister on recognizing Viettel as a defence and security firm</ref>
On 5 January 2018, Military Telecommunications Group changed their name to Military Industry – Telecommunication Group.<ref name="decree"/> In March 2018, Viettel introduced their virtual server service entitled Viettel StartCloud, soaring to the leading position in the Data center and Cloud market.<ref>{{cite news|title=There's still much room in cloud computing market: Viettel IDC |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/there-s-still-much-room-in-cloud-computing-market-viettel-idc-495249 |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=People's Army Newspaper |date=29 July 2018}}</ref> In June, 2018, the 10th international brand of Viettel was launched in Myanmar under the brand name of [[Mytel]].<ref name="auto2"/>
In August 2018, Viettel entered the 4th development stage: 4.0 and Global Business, aiming to maintaining the growth rate of 10-15%, becoming a global technology and business group, and continuing to lead the telecommunication and high-technology markets in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel announces strategy for fourth development period |url=https://www.vir.com.vn/viettel-announces-strategy-for-fourth-development-period-61558.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam Investment Review |date=6 August 2018}}</ref>
===2018–present: Digital service provider===
At the beginning of December 2018, Viettel successfully activated the NB-IoT based infrastructure with the first 30 BTS in Hanoi, claiming the title of first telco in Vietnam to successfully deploy commercial IoT network.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel pioneers narrowband internet of things technology |url=http://vietnamnews.vn/economy/505921/viettel-pioneers-narrowband-internet-of-things-technology.html |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Viet Nam News |date=25 February 2019}}</ref> In the first half of 2019, Viettel also launched many corporations and companies which are strategic in their 4th stage namely Viettel Business Solutions Corporation,<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches Viettel Business Solutions Corporation |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/467839/viettel-launches-viettel-business-solutions-corporation.html#wq2uDRZ2AmrMfMZ4.97 |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Viet Nam News |date=15 October 2018}}</ref> Viettel Cyber Security,<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel establishes cyber security company |url=http://english.mic.gov.vn/Pages/TinTuc/138866/Viettel-establishes-cyber-security-company.html |access-date=18 December 2019|newspaper=Ministry of Information and Communications website |date=16 April 2019}}</ref> Viettel Hi-Tech Industries Corporation<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel establishes seventh subsidiary |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/520416/viettel-establishes-seventh-subsidiary.html#c33fK2zYUD9hbPKi.97 |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Viet Nam News |date=25 May 2019}}</ref> and Viettel Digital Services Corporation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches Digital Services Corporation |url=https://en.vietnamplus.vn/viettel-launches-digital-services-corporation/155097.vnp |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam Plus |date=26 June 2019}}</ref>
In April 2019, Viettel completed the integration of the first 5G infrastructure in Hoan Kiem Lake area (Hanoi) and triumphantly tested broadcasting 5G service on the frequency bands licensed by the Ministry of Information and Communications. On 10 May 2019, Viettel and Ericsson Group made the first official connection on 5G network in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel - 30 year history of miracle |url=http://special.vietnamplus.vn/viettel |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Vietnam Plus}}</ref>
In June 2019, Viettel++, Viettel's largest customer care program ever, became operational.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel launches largest customer care programme |url=http://bizhub.vn/corporate-news/viettel-launcheslargest-customer-care-programme_306625.html  |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=BizHub |date=18 June 2019}}</ref> At the end of the same month, e-Cabinet platform, an information system to serve the Cabinet's meetings and work processing, was launched after more than three months of preparation. At the launching ceremony, Mr. Le Dang Dung, Viettel's Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, committed their restless efforts in accompanying the Government to develop a digital society as well as e-Government system in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|title=e_cabinet systems makes debut |url=http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/eCabinet-system-makes-debut/20196/36905.vgp |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=VGP News |date=24 June 2019}}</ref>
In July 2019, Viettel entered technological ride-hailing market with MyGo application and launched an e-commerce website at VoSo.vn.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel Post launches ecommerce, ride-hailing platforms |url=https://english.thesaigontimes.vn/69485/viettel-post-launches-ecommerce-ride-hailing-platforms.html |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=The Saigon Times |date=2 July 2019}}</ref> At the end of the month, Viettel declared their intention to turn Mocha into a super application for music, films, videos, news, games, etc. Mocha would also be connected with other applications within Viettel's ecosystem.<ref>{{cite news|title=Over seven million people use Viettel's Mocha app |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/over-seven-million-people-use-viettel-s-mocha-app-508093 |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=People's Army Newspaper |date=31 July 2019}}</ref>
In August 2019, at Vietnam ICT Summit 2019, Viettel and large IT enterprises in Vietnam established the Vietnam Digital Transformation Alliance whose Chairman is Major General Le Dang Dung, Viettel's Acting President cum Chief Executive Officer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vietnam Digital Transformation Alliance makes debut |url=https://english.vov.vn/society/vietnam-digital-transformation-alliance-makes-debut-401310.vov |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=VOV |date=8 September 2019}}</ref>
In September 2019, Viettel declared that it would broadcast 5G network and deploy Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City. In Ho Chi Minh City, Viettel completed the construction of 1,000 NB-IoT stations with 100% coverage across the city and 5G coverage across Ward 12, District 10. Ho Chi Minh City became the first city in the country to have seamless 5G and IoT coverage. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), Viettel is the only Vietnamese enterprise to rank among the first 50 network operators to successfully deploy 5G technology in the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viettel makes first 5G call in Vietnam |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/519798/viettel-makes-first-5g-call-in-viet-nam.html  |access-date=18 December 2019 |newspaper=Viet Nam News |date=11 May 2019}}</ref> This was done without support from Chinese firms such as [[Huawei]] and [[ZTE]], the first company in the world to not endorse Chinese 5G technology, which got praises and controversies altogether.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/01/whats-next-for-vietnams-5g-ambitions/|title=What's Next for Vietnam's 5G Ambitions?|first=Prashanth|last=Parameswaran|website=thediplomat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51178369|title=Vietnamese firm Viettel's 5G claim raises eyebrows outside|work=BBC News|date=20 January 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Viettel High Tech VRS-MRS 3D air-surveillance radar.png|thumb|The VRS-MRS 3D air-defence radar developed by Viettel.]]
On 16 September 2020, Viettel showed off a dummy model of an armed UAV on display in Hanoi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2020/10/vietnam-uav-isr|title = Beyond ISR: Is Vietnam developing an armed UAV?}}</ref>
On 27 October 2023, Viettel introduced its first domestically-developed [[5G]] DFE chip, claiming that the product has an equivalent complexity to the [[Apple A7]] [[System on a chip|SoC]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trung Thanh |title=Viettel announces successful development of 5G Chips and AI Assistant at VIIE 2023 |url=https://en.qdnd.vn/economy/military-businesses/viettel-announces-successful-development-of-5g-chips-and-ai-assistant-at-viie-2023-557820 |access-date=2023-11-26 |website=[[People's Army Newspaper]] |language=en}}</ref>
==Operations==
===Vietnam===
Viettel had a market share (estimated based on revenues) of 40.67% in 2012. Its main competitors are [[Vinaphone]] (owned by [[VNPT]]) with 30% market share and [[MobiFone]] with 17.9%. They control almost 90% of the market, with the rest controlled by [[Vietnamobile]] with 8%, [[Gmobile]] (formerly Beeline) with 3.2% and [[S-Fone]] with 0.1%. Viettel reported having 58.9 million customers, while Vinaphone and MobiFone estimated having 70 million and Gmobile and Vietnamobile 10 million.<ref name=gafin2012>{{cite news|title=Năm 2012 khó khăn của các mạng di động nhỏ|url=http://gafin.vn/20130103093051313p0c36/nam-2012-kho-khan-cua-cac-mang-di-dong-nho.htm|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=Gafin.vn|date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106101850/http://gafin.vn/20130103093051313p0c36/nam-2012-kho-khan-cua-cac-mang-di-dong-nho.htm|archive-date=6 January 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Viettel has developed telecommunication services in Laos, Cambodia, Haiti, Mozambique, Peru, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Cameroon, Burundi and Myanmar.
===International===
[[File:Viettel Global operating countries map.svg|thumb|Map showing countries with Viettel Group presence]]
Viettel Global Investment JSC (Viettel Global) handles all the countries foreign investments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=International telecommunications |url=https://viettel.com.vn/en/creating-a-digital-society/vien-thong/international-telecommunications/ |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Viettel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Viettel to sell part of subsidiary to finance expansion|url = http://www.vietnambreakingnews.com/2015/04/viettel-to-sell-part-of-subsidiary-to-finance-expansion/|website = Vietnam Breaking News|date = 2015-04-25|access-date = 2016-01-05|language = en-US|last = vietnamnet}}</ref> Viettel has successfully developed telecommunication services in three continents, [[Asia]], [[Africa]] and the [[Americas]]. It made a profit from its foreign operations for the first time in 2012, mainly based on profits from Cambodia and Laos and recorded a $1.2 billion revenue from foreign operations in 2014.<ref name="english.thesaigontimes.vn">{{cite news|title=Viettel offshore operations yield first profit|url=http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/business/ict/27117/|access-date=4 January 2013|newspaper=Saigon Times|date=20 December 2012}}</ref>
The company became the first Vietnamese company to provide as one of the official telecommunication services for the [[Peru national football team]] during the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]], the first Vietnamese company to achieve this feat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bitel - a symbol of Vietnam-Peru cooperation |url=http://en.nhandan.com.vn/business/item/4807502-bitel-a-symbol-of-vietnam-peru-cooperation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321145739/http://en.nhandan.com.vn/business/item/4807502-bitel-a-symbol-of-vietnam-peru-cooperation.html |archive-date=2019-03-21}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; border:0px;text-align:left;line-height:150%;"
!scope="col" |Operator
!scope="col" |Country
!scope="col" |Began operation
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|Notes
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|Reference
|-
|Unitel
|{{Flag|Laos}}
|26 February 2008
|Joint operation between Viettel Global and Lao Asia Telecom
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Unitel - The best operator in Laos|url = http://www.unitel.com.la/index.php/intro/detail/id-1|website = www.unitel.com.la|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref>
|-
|Metfone
|{{Flag|Cambodia}}
|19 February 2009
|Largest phone operator in Cambodia, with 50% market share
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Our profile {{!}} Metfone|url = http://www.metfone.com.kh/en/Intro/Our-profile.15.aspx|website = www.metfone.com.kh|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref>
|-
|[[National Telecom S.A|Natcom]]
|{{Flag|Haiti}}
|10 September 2011
|Joint venture between Viettel Global (60%) and Teleco S.A (Haiti) (40%)
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Haiti - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses - BuddeComm|url = http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Haiti-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses.html|website = www.budde.com.au|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref>
|-
|[[Movitel, SA|Movitel]]
|{{Flag|Mozambique}}
|10 January 2012
|Leading mobile operator; coverage covers over 93% of the country's land area
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Mozambican mobile phone operator Movitel starts operating on an experimental basis {{!}} Macauhub English|url = http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2012/01/10/mozambican-mobile-phone-operator-movitel-starts-operating-on-an-experimental-basis/|website = Macauhub English|access-date = 2016-01-05|language = en-us|date = 9 January 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Telemor
|{{Flag|East Timor}}
|1 July 2013
|Owns over 47% of the market share and began making a profit after six months of operation
|<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://vneconomictimes.com:8081/a/business/viettel-shines-in-east-timor|title = Viettel Shines in East Timor|last = Nguyen|first = Quynh|date = 28 October 2015|access-date = 5 January 2015|via = vneconomictimes.com}}</ref>
|-
|Nexttel
|{{Flag|Cameroon}}
|12 September 2014
|First 3G operator in the country
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Nexttel telecommunications network {{!}} Let's fly with 3G High speed|url = http://www.nexttel.cm/|website = www.nexttel.cm|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Andzongo |first=Sylvain |title=Nexttel announces resumption of dialogue between its shareholders |url=https://www.businessincameroon.com/public-management/2211-12079-nexttel-announces-resumption-of-dialogue-between-its-shareholders |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Business in Cameroon |language=en-gb}}</ref>
|-
||Bitel
|{{Flag|Peru}}
|16 October 2014
|First foreign market where country GDP exceeds Vietnam
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bitel hits subscriber target, plans 4G launch next month|url = https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/10/20/bitel-hits-subscriber-target-plans-4g-launch-next-month/|website = telegeography.com|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Viettel starts operations in Peru, licenced in Tanzania - News VietNamNet|url = http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/science-it/114251/viettel-starts-operations-in-peru--licenced-in-tanzania.html|website = english.vietnamnet.vn|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref>
|-
|[[Lumitel]]
|{{Flag|Burundi}}
|30 May 2015
|Largest operator in Burundi within 1 month of operation
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = It can happen: Viettel's Burundian start-up Lumitel notches 600k subs in first month|url = https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/06/30/it-can-happen-viettels-burundian-start-up-lumitel-notches-600k-subs-in-first-month/|website = www.telegeography.com|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref>
|-
|[[Halotel]]
|{{Flag|Tanzania}}
|15 October 2015
|Placed over 18,000&nbsp;km of optic fiber cables
|<ref>{{Cite web|title = Viettel to launch in Tanzania in Oct-15 under Halotel banner|url = https://www.telegeography.com/products/commsupdate/articles/2015/07/29/viettel-to-launch-in-tanzania-in-oct-15-under-halotel-banner/|website = www.telegeography.com|access-date = 2016-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/business/155788/business-in-brief-30-4.html|title=BUSINESS IN BRIEF 30/4 - News VietNamNet|website=english.vietnamnet.vn|access-date=2016-04-30}}</ref>
|-
|[[Mytel]]
|{{Flag|Myanmar}}
|26 August 2017
|Vietnam invested US$1,500,000,000 to Mytel
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Myanmar: Freedom on the Net 2019 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/myanmar/freedom-net/2019 |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Freedom House |language=en}}</ref>
|}
==Corporate affairs==
===Business scope===
Viettel currently provides the following services and products:<ref name="decree">{{cite web |title=Decree No. 05/2018/ND-CP on Organization and Operation Charter of Parent Company - Viettel Group |date=5 January 2018 |issue=The Prime Minister of Vietnam | url=https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/EN/Doanh-nghiep/Decree-05-2018-ND-CP-the-Charter-of-Viettel/445079/tieng-anh.aspx}}</ref>
* Products and services in telecommunications, IT, radio, television, and multimedia communications;
* Communication and telecommunications activities;
* E-commerce, post and delivery activities;
* Financial services, payment services, payment intermediaries, monetary intermediaries;
* Games, news websites and social network services;
* Consultancy in management, survey, and design of investment projects;
* Construction and operation of works, equipment, infrastructure of telecommunications, IT and television network;
* Research, development and trading in military equipment and supporting tools for defense and security purposes;
* Research, development and trading in dual-use equipment;
* Scientific research and development activities;
* Research, development and trading in machinery and equipment in telecommunications, IT, television and multimedia communications;
* Research, development and trading in products and services in military cryptography and cyber [[information security]].
* Advertising and market research;
* Management consultancy in launching and trade promotion activities;
* Sports.
===Revenue and profit===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Revenue (million VND) !! Profit (million VND)
|-
| 2008<ref name="auto1"/> || 33,000,000 || 8,600,000
|-
| 2009<ref name="auto1"/> || 60,211,000 || 10,290,000
|-
| 2010<ref name="auto1"/> || 91,561,000 || 15,500,000
|-
| 2011<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel sets revenue targets |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/221138/viettel-sets-revenue-targets.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Viet Nam News |date=22 February 2012}}</ref> || 117,301,000 || 19,780,000
|-
| 2012<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel revenue rose 20% in 2012 |url=https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2013/02/05/viettel-revenue-rose-20-in-2012/ |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=TeleGeography |date=5 February 2013}}</ref> || 141,418,000 || 24,500,000
|-
| 2013<ref>{{cite news |title=Telco giant Viettel gets new general director |url=https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/251545/telco-giant-viettel-gets-new-general-director.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Viet Nam News |date=25 February 2014}}</ref> || 162,886,000 || 35,086,000
|-
| 2014<ref>{{cite news |title=PM Dung: Viettel must become regional leading corporation |url=https://en.nhandan.com.vn/business/item/3189902-forum-seeks-to-promote-vietnam-hungary-economic-co-operation.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Nhan Dan Online |date=12 March 2015}}</ref> || 197,000,000 || 42,000,000
|-
| 2015<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel dominates Vietnam's mobile market with $2bn profit in 2015 |url=https://tuoitrenews.vn/business/32499/viettel-dominates-vietnams-mobile-market-with-2bn-profit-in-2015 |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Tuoi Tre News |date=30 December 2015}}</ref> || 222,700,000 || 45,800,000
|-
| 2016<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel ranked second in ASEAN Top 20 telecom brands |url=https://en.nhandan.com.vn/scitech/sci-tech/item/5056002-viettel-ranked-second-in-asean-top-20-telecom-brands.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Nhan Dan Online |date=11 March 2017}}</ref> || 226,558,000 || 43,200,000
|-
| 2017<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel reports massive revenue and profit |url=https://www.vir.com.vn/viettel-reports-massive-revenue-and-profit-55245.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Vietnam Investment Review |date=3 January 2018}}</ref> || 250,800,000 || 44,000,000
|-
| 2018<ref>{{cite news |title=Viettel eyes entry into digital services market |url=http://mic.gov.vn/Pages/TinTuc/138557/Viettel-eyes-entry-into-digital-services-market.html |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=Ministry of Information and Communication website |date=24 January 2019}}</ref> || 234,500,000 || 37,600,000
|-
|2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vietnambiz.vn/viettel-dat-doanh-thu-tu-vien-thong-la-64954-ty-dong-can-moc-639-trieu-thue-bao-di-dong-117922.htm|title=Viettel đạt doanh thu từ viễn thông là 64.954 tỷ đồng, cán mốc 63,9 triệu thuê bao di động|last=VietnamBiz|date=2019-01-21|website=vietnambiz|language=vi|access-date=2020-02-19}}</ref>
|251,000,000
|39,000,000
|-
|2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Công bố thông tin hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh năm 2023 |url=https://viettel.com.vn/vi/tin-tuc-va-su-kien/bao-cao/cong-bo-thong-tin-hoat-dong-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-nam-2023/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Viettel Group |language=vi}}</ref>
|172,519.772
|46,330,734
|}
===Headquarters===
Viettel's headquarters is located at Lot D26, Lane 3, Ton That Thuyet Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
==Controversies==
===Mytel===
Following the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état]] and subsequent [[2021 Myanmar protests|unrest]], it was revealed that Viettel actively does business and assists the [[State Administration Council]] in cracking down protesters throughout [[Mytel]], a joint-venture that owned by Viettel and the [[Tatmadaw]], as for the result, its Burmese branch was sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department with assets frozen.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/burma_coup_watch_1_mar.pdf | title=BURMA COUP WATCH: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED TO PREVENT DESTABILIZING VIOLENCE | access-date=2023-12-26 |date=2012-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Myanmar-Crisis/US-broadens-Myanmar-sanctions-beyond-military-with-trade-move|title = US broadens Myanmar sanctions beyond military with trade move}}</ref>
Viettel has also been embroiled, indirectly, for having business ties with the Lebanese diversified investment holdings company [[M1 Group]] (owned by the Mikati family's [[Taha Mikati|Taha]] and [[Najib Mikati|Najib]]), a supporter of authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, throughout Mytel.<ref>[https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/FFM-Myanmar/EconomicInterestsMyanmarMilitary/A_HRC_42_CRP_3.pdf The economic interests of the Myanmar military, Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar]</ref> M1 Group has also bought [[Telenor]]'s Myanmar after the Norwegian company exited due to instabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/telenor-myanmars-buyers-have-financed-atrocities-and-cosied-up-to-dictators|title=Telenor Myanmar's buyers have financed atrocities and cosied up to dictators &#124; Justice for Myanmar}}</ref>
=== Smuggling of US military equipment ===
In June 2015, Bui Quang Huy, a representative of the Viettel Group in the [[United States]], negotiated with the company EO Imaging to purchase missile tracking equipment using video technology.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=Phơi bày vụ án nhân viên Viettel bị Mỹ bỏ tù vì buôn lậu vũ khí |url=https://www.voatiengviet.com/a/phoi-bay-vu-an-nhan-vien-viettel-bi-my-bo-tu-vi-buon-lau-vu-khi/5004759.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Voice of America |language=vi}}</ref> This type of equipment is used for missile launch systems, however Viettel did not have a license to export this equipment from the [[United States]] at that time. In August 2015, Bui Quang Huy bought a vibration damping system for the rocket camera. The selling company advised him to comply with ITAR regulations on arms exports. Mr. Huy replied that he did not have time to ask for permission.
On March 10, 2016, Bui Quang Huy proactively contacted a US company called Sandia Technical Supply LLC to start business negotiations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ONLINE |first=TUOI TRE |date=2021-05-07 |title=Bùi Quang Huy điều hành đường dây buôn lậu hơn 2.900 tỉ đồng trong thời gian dài |url=https://tuoitre.vn/bui-quang-huy-dieu-hanh-duong-day-buon-lau-hon-2-900-ti-dong-trong-thoi-gian-dai-20210507100023365.htm |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=TUOI TRE ONLINE |language=vi}}</ref> The employees of this company were undercover agents of the Telecommunications Division. The content of the purchase was 11 Teledyne J402-CA-400 jet engines. These engines are used for the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles developed by Teledyne for the US Navy. On May 9 and 10, 2016, the two sides signed documents, and Viettel's representative transferred a deposit of $20,000 to Sandia even though there was no export license to [[Vietnam]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=Case 1:16-cr-04134-MV |url=https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264.39.0.pdf |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=vi}}</ref>
On October 26, 2016, Bui Quang Huy was arrested by US police with an indictment stating two serious criminal charges: illegal smuggling and illegal export of defense equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=Case 1:16-cr-04134-MV |url=https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264.2.0.pdf |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Two defendants in Rockwell conspiracy case agree to plead guilty |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2023/10/10/guilty-pleas-for-ex-rockwell-employees-in-san-jose.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref> The official trial of this case in September 2017 concluded that Bui Quang Huy had pleaded guilty to illegal smuggling.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=17-09-19 Usa V Bui CORRECTED |url=https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264/gov.uscourts.nmd.353264.72.0.pdf |access-date=2024-03-24 |language=vi}}</ref> According to the sentencing document, Mr. Huy said that he "worked under the direction of his employer. Viettel asked him to buy this engine and send it back to Vietnam."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-18 |title=Phơi bày vụ án nhân viên Viettel bị Mỹ bỏ tù vì buôn lậu vũ khí |url=https://www.voatiengviet.com/a/phoi-bay-vu-an-nhan-vien-viettel-bi-my-bo-tu-vi-buon-lau-vu-khi/5004759.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Voice of America |language=vi}}</ref> This employee was fired by Viettel a few weeks earlier. Viettel's internal investigation sent to the US FCC concluded that Bui Quang Huy's acts of smuggling military equipment were entirely his own initiative and not directed by the company.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VnExpress |title=Hà Nội đã trả Nhật Cường hơn 7 tỷ đồng thuê phần mềm |url=https://vnexpress.net/ha-noi-da-tra-nhat-cuong-hon-7-ty-dong-thue-phan-mem-3931276.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=vnexpress.net |language=vi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=DATA |first=Viettel |title=Cách đăng ký 4g viettel tháng |url=https://www.vietteldata.vn/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=www.vietteldata.vn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VTA Telecom Response to 8/10 FCC Inquiry Letter OTHER by VTA Telecom Corporation ITC-214-20130718-00195 VTA Telecom Response |url=https://fcc.report/IBFS/ITC-214-20130718-00195/1527120 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=fcc.report}}</ref>
==References==
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==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
{{Major telecommunications companies}}
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[[Category:Viettel| ]]
[[Category:Companies based in Hanoi]]
[[Category:Telecommunications companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:Mobile phone companies of Vietnam]]
[[Category:Government-owned companies of Vietnam]]
[[Category:Vietnamese brands]]
[[Category:Defence companies of Vietnam]]
[[Category:Vietnamese companies established in 1989]]
[[Category:Government-owned telecommunications companies]]