20 years of the internet in Vietnam

Vietnam was officially connected to the global internet on November 19, 1997. Over the past 20 years, the internet has rapidly developed in the country.

Vietnam has about 50 million internet users, 60% of its population. The world average is 47%. 

Starting with few dozen domains at .vn in 1997, Vietnam now has more than 400,000 domains whose names contain no Vietnamese special characters and 1 million domains in Vietnamese. 

Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan said: “The internet has become widespread in Vietnam in the last 20 years. The rate of connection to the internet protocol version 6 in Vietnam ranks 2nd in ASEAN and 4th in Asia. We have supported broadband and cable service providers and implemented 4G to upgrade the internet infrastructure and diversify telecommunications and IT services.”

The internet has been accessible nationwide. The cable system is capable of providing services at hundreds of Mbps. Vietnam is upgrading its broadband cable infrastructure and promoting added services on this platform to keep pace with the 4.0 technology. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said: “The government has directed ministries and sectors to review all regulations and create optimal conditions for ICT development. It’s important to enable enterprises to use the IT infrastructure to develop their business. We should take advantage of IT and the economy to give the public better access to resources.”

Since 2010, Vietnam has been continuously among the 20 countries with the most internet users. Thanks to shrinking internet fees, the number of internet users in Vietnam is forecast to increase in the near future.

VOV

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.