In the current digital age, developing digital infrastructure and managing digital data have become core elements in the process of national digital transformation. Efforts to develop telecommunications infrastructure, internet connectivity, and exploit digital data not only create a solid foundation for digital economic development but also promote sustainable development, improve people's quality of life, enhance government management capacity, and create favorable conditions for businesses in the digital age. The article mentions outstanding achievements in developing digital infrastructure and digital data in Vietnam, thereby demonstrating important steps in the national digital transformation process.
Expanding and developing national digital infrastructure
National digital infrastructure is the basic foundation for deploying digital services, especially in the field of telecommunications and internet connectivity. Last year, one of the important achievements was the successful auction of mobile frequency usage rights, for the first time in 15 years. This auction not only increased the number of mobile frequencies granted to businesses by 88%, but also motivated service providers to improve the quality and expand the coverage of mobile networks. This means that telecommunications services will be provided with better quality, creating opportunities for digital applications, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, smart transportation, etc. to become more accessible to people, from urban to rural areas. The frequency auction not only helps telecommunications businesses access important resources but also creates a large source of revenue for the state budget, reaching VND 12,697 billion. This is an important resource for reinvestment in digital infrastructure projects, serving the goal of building a modern national digital platform. In particular, with the strong development of 5G technology, frequency expansion is an important step to realize the goal of universalizing digital infrastructure, as well as promoting digital transformation in the fields of industry, economy and social life.
Commercialization of 5G services is also one of the bright achievements in the past year. 5G services have been deployed in 63 provinces and cities, covering 25.5% of the national population. In particular, the rate of population covered by 5G in provincial capitals reached 93.34%. This not only shows the rapid deployment of 5G services but also opens up many opportunities for the development of digital application services in areas such as healthcare, education, transportation, and smart urban management. The transition from 2G to 5G networks is also the right step in optimizing bandwidth and reducing operating costs for businesses, while helping people access new technologies.
In addition, the expansion of the international submarine cable system is one of the important steps to enhance global connectivity. The addition of 20Tbps of international bandwidth capacity has helped improve international internet connectivity, promoting the development of cloud computing services, data sharing services and cross-border digital services. This also contributes to improving the quality of domestic internet services, supporting businesses in developing high-quality digital products and services.
Developing digital data and platforms
Digital data is considered an important national resource in the digital transformation process. Recognizing the important role of data in promoting the digital economy, Vietnam has taken strong steps in building, developing and exploiting digital data. The National Assembly has passed the Data Law, which includes important regulations on building data exchanges, establishing data markets, and developing data-related products and services. This creates a solid legal framework for developing the data economy, while protecting the rights of organizations, businesses and people in using and sharing data.
The construction and deployment of national databases is one of the outstanding efforts of the Government. To date, the Government has identified 10 national databases that need to be built and assigned the relevant ministries and branches to implement. Notably, 5 national databases have been completed and are being exploited, while 3 others are in the process of completion. The national population database is a typical example of progress in deploying digital data. Deployed at lightning speed, this database has connected and shared data for 18 ministries, branches, 63 localities and 4 enterprises, serving more than 1.3 billion search requests.
Another notable achievement is the National Data Exchange Platform (NDXP). NDXP has connected with more than 90 agencies and enterprises and currently provides over 30 data sharing services. As of December 3, 2024, the total number of transactions via NDXP reached 2.59 billion, of which 942 million transactions were in 2024, an increase of 58.6% over the same period in 2023. This shows the strong development of the data exchange platform, helping to improve efficiency in management and provision of public services, while promoting the development of digital applications and e-services.
One of the important applications in digital platform development is the promotion of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual assistants. In 2024, the Government has promoted the application of AI in public services, aiming to provide AI as a service. This will significantly improve work efficiency in administrative agencies, as well as improve the quality of public services such as legal advice, remote health care, online education and many other services. AI, along with advanced digital technologies, promises to create many new opportunities in areas such as health care, finance, transportation and cyber security.
Optimizing investment and developing digital platforms
In addition to outstanding achievements in the development of digital infrastructure and digital data, an important factor that cannot be ignored is the optimization of investment in digital platforms. The Ministry of Information and Communications has reviewed and announced more than 150 digital platforms from ministries, sectors and localities to avoid duplication and waste in investment. This not only helps save resources but also creates a unified and effective digital ecosystem, helping public services operate more smoothly and synchronously.
In the context of digital transformation, effectively developed and integrated digital platforms will be a decisive factor in improving the ability to serve people, optimize work processes and increase transparency in the operations of state agencies. The development and optimization of digital platforms will be a key factor in helping the Government successfully implement the national digital transformation strategy, promote the development of the digital economy, as well as improve the quality of life for people.
The development of digital infrastructure, data and platform is creating a solid foundation for the country's digital transformation. The achievements of the past year show that Vietnam has taken the right steps in developing telecommunications infrastructure, digital data and digital platforms, creating new opportunities for economic and social development. Digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also a decisive factor for Vietnam to achieve sustainable development goals in the future.