VietNamNet Bridge -  The Ministry of Information and Communications will earmark 1.2 trillion VND (around 72 million USD) for four companies this year to develop basic telecom services for public interest.

The Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) will be provided with around 744.3 billion VND to maintain and develop fixed phone subscribers and internet access points at disadvantaged areas, including frontier posts.

EVN Telecom and Viettel Telecom will receive 337.6 billion VND and 107.5 billion VND, respectively, for the same purposes.

Meanwhile, 10.6 billion VND will be earmarked for the Vietnam Marine Communication and Electronics Company (Vishipel) to equip communication means for fishing boats and provide search and rescue information and natural calamity forecast.

About 3.7 million new telephone subscribers registered in Vietnam in September, bringing the country’s total to 70.4 million, representing 81.8 subscribers per 100 people.

Of the total subscribers, VNPT makes up 55.4 percent and the military corporation Viettel, 34 percent.

(Source: VNA)