Demand sluggish for 3G devices in Vietnam

Contrary to predictions, demand for third-generation network services (3G) has remained quiet despite 3G providers releasing new products, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported Tuesday.

At present, about 100 3G service compatible mobile phone models are on the market; with prices of handsets varying from 2 million VND to 20 million (US$110-US$1,100).

However, most consumers currently are only interested in the quality of service coverage, sound quality for music and camera quality for video and photography; rather than advanced 3G features such as data card (USB) and computer-3G compatibility.

"Potential 3G mobile phone clients are mostly young people, even teenagers, but they don't have enough money to buy 3G enabled handsets and services, while money earners are not particularly interested in mobile phones with 3G technology," said a trader.

MobileFone offers 3G services including Video Call, Mobile Internet, Mobile TV and Fast Connect integrated with 3G technology.

"Apart from introducing 3G services, we hope to stimulate 3G demand in urban areas," said MobiFone representative Dinh Viet Hung.

Ngo Vinh Phuc, a businessman, said that the 3G mobile phones had not attracted consumer interest in many features, and concerns included low memory capacity, sound and image quality. This was part of the reason why 3G mobile phones have not been widely adopted.

Hoang Ngoc Vy, general director of A Telecommunications, said he believed that the 3G mobile phone market share would increase, but for the moment, consumers remained sceptical about the quality of 3G services.

Apart from the mobile phone 3G technology integration, the market also features 3G laptop and 3G data cards (USB). However, these products are also new to many consumers.

The main clients the two products targets are information technology experts.