Nordic telecoms keep Vietnam 5G core as Huawei and ZTE gain ground

Reuters reports Vietnam keeps Ericsson and Nokia for 5G core while Huawei and ZTE gain new contracts for antennas.

Chinese telecom giants Huawei and ZTE have secured new 5G contracts in Vietnam, Reuters reports. The deals come as Sweden’s Ericsson and Finland’s Nokia remain suppliers for Vietnam’s 5G core networks. This creates a mixed landscape of Nordic and Chinese technology in the country’s telecom infrastructure.

Ericsson and Nokia have previously won key contracts to build Vietnam’s 5G backbone and core systems. U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm supplies additional network equipment alongside the Nordic vendors. Chinese suppliers are instead gaining ground in antennas and other non-core equipment.

Reuters reports that a consortium including Huawei won a 23 million $ 5G contract in April. The deal followed new U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese goods, which strained ties between Hanoi and Washington. ZTE has since secured at least two further 5G antenna contracts worth more than 20 million $.

Vietnam had long been cautious about Chinese technology in sensitive infrastructure, according to Reuters. Western officials have now raised concerns about security and future tech cooperation as Chinese and Nordic suppliers both expand their presence.

 

About Alexander Vittrup

Journalist Alexander Christian Vittrup was employed at ScandAsia Magazine and Website for six months from August 2025 until January 2026. Circumstances beyond our control made it possible for us to keep him here also during the six months from February 2026 until July 2026 - making it a full year here.

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