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VietNamNet – VietNamNet selects ten outstanding information technology and communication (ICT) events of 2005.
- National Assembly approves E-transaction Law
Ratified on November 19 2005 by 72.27% of NA deputies, the new law will take effect on March 1 2006. It includes eight chapters, with 54 articles on electronic messages, electronic signatures and certification; electronic deals; electronic transactions by state agencies; security, safety, and protection of e-transactions; and dispute and violation resolutions in e-transactions.
- Viettel - VNPT connection dispute
On June 25 the Ministry of Defence sent an urgent dispatch to the prime minister complaining that the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Corporation (VNPT) does not ensure connection with Viettel mobile phone network. The case was solved by the PM’s conclusion on August 23, 2005.
- Online games outbreak in Vietnam
2005 is considered the year for online games in Vietnam, with initial revenue suggesting that it is a promising market for Vietnamese youth, particularly students. Negative influences have caused concern among parents, sparking management bodies to seek measures to control them; however, legal documents in the field have not yet been released. At present, online games are considered an Internet-based added value service, requiring an OSP licence. While awaiting legal documents, VinaGame is not allowed to provide new games or introduce more players.
- ADSL market booms, service quality falls
A breakthrough growth of broadband Internet subscribers occurred this year, with Viettel joining the market with cheap subscription fees. FPT and Viettel engage in fierce competition. In July 2005, VNPT launched four new packages serving various client requirements. FPT immediately accused VNPT of dumping. FPT was fined VND70mil by HCM City Department of Post and Telecommunications for not fulfilling necessary formalities to establish network infrastructure.
In the second half of 2005, the quality of broadband Internet services clearly fell due to a strong increase in subscriber numbers and a failure by Vietnam Data-Communication Company (VDC), FPT, and Viettel to upgrade their networks.
- Fierce competition in mobile phones
As a new comer, Viettel has quickly gained a firm foothold in the mobile market, competing strongly against VinaPhone and MobiFone. Viettel have continuously cut charges and launched unprecedented promotional campaigns, forcing other mobile networks to follow suit. After one year of relaxed market rules, it is forecast to be hotter in 2006 with the appearance of two new mobile information networks belonging to Hanoi Telecom and EVN Telecom.
- Prime Minister approves information development strategy to 2010
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai approved the information development strategy to 2010 on September 9 2005, emphasizing its significance in the country’s social-economic development strategy; as a tool to provide knowledge, forecast development, and a driving force promoting social development. The Ministry of Culture and Information will preside over and combine with related ministries, sectors, agencies, and provincial and municipal People’s Committees to implement the strategy.
- PM allows establishment of Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group
Prime Minister Phan Van Khai approved the scheme to establish Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group in March 2005 by merging and restructuring VNPT and its members.
The corporation will work under the parent-subsidiaries model, including a Management Board, Control Committee, General Director, Deputy General Directors, Chief Accountant, and assistant machinery.
- Vietnam successfully organizes TELMIN 5
Fifth ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting (Telmin 5) opens on September 26 in Hanoi with the participation of 250 delegates from 10 ASEAN countries and three partner countries: China, Japan. and the Republic of Korea. With the theme “Promoting development of network services and applications to realize e-ASEAN”, many ICT issue of common interest to ASEAN were discussed. ASEAN IT and telecommunication ministers warmly supported the establishment of an online newspaper for ASEAN, named AsiaNews.Net.
- IT Knight 2005 stirs social effects
eChip magazine’s third IT Knight 2005 event staged, awarding IT knights 2005 to disadvantaged individuals who have overcome their disability through IT knowledge and application.
- Circular on Internet management effective as of August 1
Ministries of Post and Telecommunications, Culture and Information, Public Security, and Planning and Investment sign a circular on July 14, 2005 on Internet management. The document restricts opening times from 6-24h, prevents children under 14 from attending Internet café unsupervised, and stipulates that Internet café owners must pass a six-month training course on the Internet. However, implementation of the circular is ineffective as many Internet cafés break the rules allowing children to attend Internet cafés unaccompanied.
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