Networked computer and VoIP telephone at a health station in Lao Cai.

VietNamNet Bridge – After one year of implementation, the first phase of the Wimax testing programme in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai was completed on September 20 to enter the second phase.

The first phase of this programme commenced on October 27, 2006 in Lao Cai town in 19 sites: 6 schools, 3 public sites, 2 health stations, 5 administrative agencies, 2 small enterprises and 1 farmer family.

Those sites were provided with computers and VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) telephones. Internet access at these points was free of charge for all.

According to Vu Hoang Lien, Director of the Vietnam Data Communication Company (VDC), which represents the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) in this programme, in combination with Intel and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the programme achieved the goals set for the first phase of experimentation in evaluating the actual effect of the new wireless technology and the need for the wireless services.

In the second phase, the Wimax technology will be implemented in a beautiful valley, namely Ta Van, which is 9km from Sa Pa. Around 700 people who are mainly H’mong and Day ethnic minority people are living in this valley, with average income of around US$50 per month, mainly coming from tourist services.

It is very difficult to install optical cables to Ta Van valley owing to its isolated topography. The valley currently has only two fixed phone lines.

To help local residents and tourists, organisers have decided to carry out the second phase of Wimax testing project in this valley. Accordingly, ten sites in the valley, including a school, a health station, a guest house and some families will be connected to the Internet, using Wimax technology.

If the programme is successful in Ta Van, Wimax technology will be proved suitable for rural telecom projects in the future.

Tri Hieu