Le Van Tuan
Radio Frequency Directorate
Along with the fast growth of Vietnam’s economy since last 20 years, radio communications are more and more being used widely. Thank to that, people are now more and more aware of the value of radio frequency spectrum and the importance of using it effectively.
In Viet Nam, Ministry of Posts and Telematics (MPT) is responsible for performing the State management of radio frequency spectrum. The MPT delegates the Radio Frequency Directorate (RFD, www.rfd.gov.vn) to undertake daily works on spectrum management.
Main tasks of RFD include: drafting frequency plans (National Allocation Plan, band plan, channel arrangement plan,..) and other legal documents relating spectrum resource; performing frequency assignments and granting frequency licenses; monitoring and inspecting the use of frequency spectrum; conducting international frequency coordinations (for both satellite and terrestrials systems). RFD is also responsible for preparing and protecting Vietnam’s interests in international activities relating spectrum resource.
RFD manages spectrum usage for all types of radiocomunication services in Vietnam, from cellular mobile to broadcasting, maritime, aeronautical, low radio power stations.
The highest legal level document for spectrum management is the Ordinance on Posts and Telecommunications which was promulgated in 2002 by the Chairman of National Assembly. Under it, there is Decree 24 on radio frequency promulgated in 2004 by Prime Minister.
The latest National Frequency Allocation Plan (Table) was approved by the Prime Minister in 2005. Under this National plan, there a number of frequency band plans, channel plans, rules on low power devices such as: the frequency plan for fixed and land mobile service in 406.1 MHz – 470 MHz range; the frequency band plan for digital cellular networks in 821-960MHz and 1710-2200MHz ranges; Frequency band plan for digital mobile cellular systems in 821 - 960 MHz and 1700 - 2200 MHz ranges; Frequency band plan for IMT-2000; Channeling arrangement for fixed and land mobile service in 30MHz – 60 GHz; Channeling plan for terrestrial analogue TV Broadcasting stations; Channeling plan for terrestrial FM voice broadcasting stations.
The frequency plan for fixed and mobile systems in 406.1-470MHz range was issued in 2005 by Decision No. 02/2005/QD-BBCVT. This plan allocates the bands of 452.73-457.02MHz and 462.73-467.02MHz for CDMA 450 network.
The frequency band plan for digital cellular networks in ranges of 821-960MHz and 1710-2200MHz was revised in June 2006 by Decision 17/2006/QD-BBCVT. Under this revised band plan, mobile operators are allowed to provide both WLL and mobile services. Two CDMA mobile operators are allocated 829-845/874-890MHz and will be possibly granted additional 5MHz in 824-829/869-874MHz after 2010 which are currently occupied by CDMA WLL network. Each of 3 GSM mobile operators is allocated 2x8MHz in 900 band and 2x20MHz in 1800MHz band. A remaining block of 2x15 MHz in GSM 1800MHz band is set aside for purpose of refarming CDMA WLL network in 800MHz band or for providing additional spectrum to 3 GSM mobile operators.
The Frequency band plan for IMT-2000 was issued by MPT in 2005, under which bands 1920-1980MHz/2110-2170MHz are allocated to systems using FDD scheme, each operator will be given at least 2x15MHz; band 1900-1920MHz is for TDD; band 2010-2025 MHz is set aside for other IMT applications.
Regarding licensing scheme there are 3 types: band license (e.g., license for mobile operators) with a validity duration of no more than 15 years; license for radio frequency and radio transmitters with a maximum validity of 5 years; license – exempt in which transmitters can be used without individual license but must be operated under certain conditions.
It is important to note that currently the sell or transfer of frequency licenses are not allowed in Vietnam.
Relating license exempt, in Dec 2006, MPT issued Rule on technical conditions and operational procedures applicable to low power radio devices. This Rule covers conditions and operation procedures applicable to cordless telephones, medical device MICS and MITS, RFID, detect and alarm devices, wireless microphone and headphone, remote control devices, WLAN,...
RFID devices can be operated in bands 13.553-13.567MHz; 433.05-434.79MHz; 866-868MHz and 920-925MHz. WLAN devices (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth) can be used in 2400-2483.5MHz, 5150-5250MHz, 5250-5350MHz. WiFi devices can be used also in band 5725-5850MHz.
In order to verify that frequency users are complied with conditions set out in license, RFD has its 8 regional radio frequency centers across the countries to monitor use of spectrum. They perform monitoring by using fixed, mobile or remote monitoring stations to measure parameters such as frequencies used, occupied bandwidth, transmitting powers, polarization, location of transmitter, ect. RFD also has inspection team to make on-site inspections.
As the radiocommunications continue to grow rapidly in future, regulators are facing more and more challenges in managing effectively the spectrum resource. In order to overcome these challenges and to facilitate development of radiocommunications in Vietnam, a specific law on managing spectrum could be built in very near future./. 