Vietnam Mobile Revenue to Grow 3.4% Annually Through 2031

New research from GlobalData forecasts an 8.3% annual increase in mobile data revenue, with average monthly data consumption expected to reach 14.9GB by 2031. Meanwhile, 5G subscriptions are projected to account for 30.6% of Vietnam's mobile market as network operators expand coverage.

5 November 2026 – Vietnam's mobile services market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% between 2026 and 2031, supported by rising mobile data consumption and expanding 5G coverage, according to new research from GlobalData.

The findings, published in GlobalData's Vietnam Mobile Services Forecast (Q3 2026), suggest that mobile data will become a stronger source of revenue for telecommunications operators as consumers spend more time using video streaming, social media and other internet-based services.

While traditional mobile voice revenue is expected to decline, mobile data revenue is projected to increase at an annual rate of 8.3% over the five-year period.

The research also forecasts a sharp increase in 5G adoption, with the technology expected to represent 30.6% of mobile subscriptions by 2031, compared with just 4.8% in 2026.

These changes come as Vietnam continues investing in digital infrastructure, with government plans targeting 5G coverage for 99% of the population by 2030.

Mobile Data Consumption Expected to Nearly Triple by 2031

Mobile internet usage is becoming a greater part of everyday digital activity in Vietnam, driven by demand for entertainment, communication and online services.

GlobalData forecasts that average monthly mobile data consumption will rise from 5.5GB in 2026 to 14.9GB in 2031, representing an increase of approximately 171%.

Neha Mishra, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, explained:

The average monthly data usage over mobile networks is forecast to increase from 5.5 GB in 2026 to 14.9 GB in 2031, in line with the surge in consumption of online video and social media content on mobile networks, on the back of 5G network expansions and data-centric mobile plans offered by MNOs.

As consumers use more data-intensive applications, operators are expected to introduce and promote higher-value mobile plans designed around internet access rather than traditional calling services.

This shift is already influencing how telecommunications companies invest in their networks, with greater attention directed towards coverage, capacity and connection quality.

For cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, expanding mobile connectivity could also support wider access to digital services used by residents and businesses.

Vietnam's Mobile Market Shifts Away From Traditional Voice Services

Although overall mobile services revenue is expected to increase, GlobalData predicts a continued decline in mobile voice service revenue through 2031.

One reason is the growing popularity of over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms, which allow users to make calls and exchange messages through internet connections rather than conventional mobile voice services.

Telecommunications operators are also including free voice minutes within bundled plans, reducing the amount customers spend separately on traditional calls.

These changes are expected to place further pressure on mobile voice average revenue per user (ARPU).

Mobile data services, meanwhile, are projected to grow as operators expand their networks and introduce plans aimed at customers who regularly use streaming platforms and other online applications.

The changing revenue structure means telecommunications companies will need to manage declining income from traditional services while investing in the infrastructure required to support growing data traffic.

5G Subscriptions Forecast to Reach 30.6% by 2031

Vietnam's 5G market is expected to expand considerably over the coming years, although 4G will remain the country's most widely used mobile technology throughout the forecast period.

According to GlobalData, 5G subscriptions will increase from 4.8% of total mobile subscriptions in 2026 to 30.6% by 2031.

The growth will be supported by network expansion, broader access to compatible devices and government initiatives to improve mobile connectivity.

Vietnam's national digital infrastructure strategy targets 5G coverage for 99% of the population by 2030, compared with approximately 90% coverage reported in February 2026.

These figures refer to population coverage rather than the proportion of customers actively subscribing to 5G services.

Although network availability is expanding, the transition to 5G will also depend on device affordability and the willingness of customers to adopt new mobile plans.

GlobalData expects 4G to retain its leading position because of its extensive infrastructure and continued network investments.

Vietnam Plans to Retire 2G and 3G Networks by 2028

Another development shaping Vietnam's telecommunications sector is the planned shutdown of older mobile network technologies.

According to GlobalData, the country intends to retire its 2G and 3G networks by 2028, allowing spectrum currently used by these technologies to support newer mobile services.

The transition would enable operators to repurpose the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands for 4G and 5G networks.

Reallocating existing spectrum can help telecommunications providers increase network capacity without depending entirely on newly assigned frequencies.

However, the transition also requires attention to customers who continue using older mobile devices, as well as the equipment and services that depend on legacy networks.

The planned shutdown forms part of Vietnam's broader move towards modern mobile infrastructure as demand for internet connectivity continues growing.

Viettel Leads Vietnam's Mobile Services Market

Viettel remains Vietnam's largest mobile operator by subscriber base in 2026 and is expected to retain that position through 2031, according to GlobalData.

The company's market position is supported by its existing 4G coverage and investment in expanding its 5G infrastructure.

In 2025, Viettel deployed 20,000 new 5G base stations, accounting for more than 80% of all 5G base stations installed in Vietnam during that year, according to the research.

By the end of 2025, the operator had reached a total of 30,000 5G base stations.

Viettel is targeting another 20,000 installations by the end of 2026, which would further expand its network infrastructure if completed as planned.

The investment reflects the growing importance of mobile data services to operators competing for customers who require reliable connectivity for everyday digital activities.

For businesses, wider coverage could also make mobile connectivity more accessible outside established commercial centres, although the quality and availability of service will continue to vary by location.

Expanding 5G Could Support Vietnam's Digital Economy

Vietnam's expanding mobile infrastructure has implications beyond telecommunications revenue.

Greater access to reliable mobile internet can support digital payments, online education, e-commerce and other services that depend on connectivity.

In urban areas, additional network capacity may help accommodate growing demand from residents and businesses, particularly as more activities move onto digital platforms.

For smaller towns and rural communities, wider mobile coverage could help reduce differences in access to online services, provided network expansion is accompanied by affordable devices and data plans.

However, the economic benefits of stronger mobile connectivity will depend on how businesses and households use the available infrastructure.

The GlobalData forecast measures telecommunications demand and revenue rather than estimating the wider economic gains from 5G deployment.

Data Demand Expected to Shape Vietnam's Telecom Market Through 2031

GlobalData expects mobile operators to focus on improving network capacity and expanding data-focused plans as consumer demand continues shifting towards internet-based services.

Mishra said:

As consumers increase their use of video streaming, social media, and other data-intensive applications, operators will focus on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, improving network capacity, and offering data-centric plans to grow mobile data revenue and offset declining voice ARPU.

The report also identifies the retirement of older networks and wider availability of 5G-compatible devices as factors that could support the transition.

With mobile data revenue forecast to grow faster than the overall market, operators will need to balance infrastructure investment with the commercial demands of an expanding digital customer base.

Vietnam's plans to extend 5G coverage and modernise its mobile networks could provide the infrastructure needed to support that demand, while 4G is expected to remain the primary technology for subscribers throughout the next five years.

About GlobalData

GlobalData Plc (LSE: DATA) is an intelligence and productivity platform providing industry research, market analysis and business insights to organisations worldwide.

The company combines proprietary data, industry expertise and AI-powered tools to support business strategy and decision-making.

According to GlobalData, its services are used by more than 5,000 organisations across major global industries.

The Vietnam Mobile Services Forecast (Q3 2026) examines developments in the country's telecommunications market, including mobile subscriptions, network technologies, revenue and data consumption.

Official website: https://www.globaldata.com/