Vietnam is expected to start developing 4G services by the end of 2015,experts believe, adding that the services will ensure competitivenessand enjoy widespread popularity.

According to Doan Quang Hoan,director of the Vietnam Authority of Radio Frequency Management, thecountry has been making efforts to adopt frequency bands for thedevelopment of 4G services, foreseeing the trends in new technologies.

Headded that Vietnam is one among many countries that already have thebands for 4G services, quoted by itcnews.vn, adding that the departmenthas remained focused on adopting these frequency bands in the countryduring the past to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

Hoanadded that the auction for the frequency brands is expected to becarried out by the end of this year or latest by the beginning of 2016.

Choosinga right time for the launch of a new technology is critical, expertssaid, pointing out that Vietnam was not among the first countries tolaunch 3G services, but that might have been the right time, consideringthat equipment prices were more reasonable and contributed to thesuccess of 3G services in the country.

According to networkproviders, more than 30 percent of mobile subscribers use 3G servicesand that percentage is expected to increase to more than 50 percent bythe end of this year.

Thieu Phuong Nam, country manager ofQualcomm Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos was quoted by the online newspaperas saying that Vietnam is completely ready for 4G services. In addition,the prices of 4G-supported smartphones are much more affordable.

"Thedevelopment of 4G services in 2015 will impart benefits to both usersand network providers," Nam said, adding that the implementation shouldfocus on major cities first, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and DaNang City.-VNA