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The 700 MHz band is widely used in 4G and 5G mobile networks. Photo: VT

The Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) has just issued a plan to re-organize the auction of radio frequency usage rights for the 713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz bands (B2-B2' frequency band block).

Within 30 days from the date the Ministry of Science and Technology publicly announces the auction plan, organizations wishing to participate in the auction for the right to use radio frequencies for the 713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz bands (B2-B2' band blocks) must submit a request for confirmation of meeting the conditions for participating in the auction to the Ministry of Science and Technology (Department of Telecommunications) through one of the following methods: via the online public service system or by post or in person. Applications submitted after the above deadline will not be accepted and processed.

At the end of December 2024, the Radio Frequency Department announced the auction of frequency bands B1-B1' (703-713 MHz and 758-768 MHz), frequency bands B2-B2' (713-723 MHz and 768-778 MHz) and frequency bands B3-B3' (723-733 MHz and 778-788 MHz).

Of which, the B1-B1' frequency block has a starting price of 1,955.6 billion VND. The B2-B2' frequency block has a similar starting price of 1,955.6 billion VND. The B3-B3' frequency block also has a starting price of 1,955.6 billion VND.

The 700 MHz band is considered a “diamond” band with high commercial value. This band plays a particularly important role in the development of 4G and 5G networks, helping network operators provide cheaper services to users.

In early March 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced that the auction for the right to use the B2-B2 frequency band did not take place as planned due to the lack of the minimum number of participating businesses as required.

By the deadline for submitting documents (17:00 on February 18, 2025), 3 enterprises submitted documents to register to participate in the auction of radio frequency usage rights for the B2-B2 frequency band. However, by the end of the pre-payment deadline, 17:00 on February 20, 2025, only 1 enterprise paid the required amount.

Therefore, based on legal regulations, National Joint Stock Auction Company No. 5 does not organize the auction of radio frequency usage rights for the B2-B2' frequency band because it does not meet the minimum number of enterprises eligible to participate in the auction as prescribed.

Before the 700 MHz band was auctioned, this band was used for analog television services. However, with the transition to digital terrestrial television in Vietnam, this band was freed up and transferred to mobile network operators to serve telecommunications services.

Worldwide , the 700 MHz band is widely used in 4G and 5G mobile networks. This is one of the important bands that helps optimize the speed and coverage of new generation mobile networks.

The reason the 700 MHz band is considered the “diamond” band is because it has better transmission capabilities than higher frequency bands, allowing network signals to travel farther and penetrate obstacles such as walls, tall buildings, etc. This helps network operators improve coverage, especially in rural or remote areas.

Using the 700 MHz band helps carriers improve the quality of mobile services, especially in high-density areas such as large cities. It helps reduce network congestion and provides more stable service to users.

While deploying higher frequency bands can provide faster data speeds, these bands require more intensive infrastructure investment. Meanwhile, the 700 MHz band, thanks to its wide and efficient coverage, helps reduce investment costs for network operators, especially for large-area coverage.

The 700 MHz band is very flexible and can support different network generations, from 3G, 4G, to 5G. This makes it easy for network operators to upgrade and expand their networks without having to change their infrastructure too much.

Up to this point, mobile networks are expecting to have this "diamond" frequency band for better coverage, serving people, especially in rural and mountainous areas.