Viettel Wins Spectrum to Become the Dominican Fourth Operator
Dominican Republic · TELECOMS
Key Facts
- —Spectrum award Viettel Global won a tender for three radio-frequency bands in the Dominican Republic, announced on 21 August 2026.
- —Concession terms The 20-year concession covers 240 MHz across the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, and C-Band 3.6 GHz bands.
- —Regulator INDOTEL issued Resolution 073-2026 on 19 August 2026 under International Public Tender Indotel/LPI-001-2026.
- —Services Viettel plans to offer 4G and 5G mobile and public telecom services using the awarded spectrum.
- —Investment An industry report cites an approved investment plan of about US$560 million for the Dominican launch.
The Vietnamese group will need to invest about US$560 million to enter a market where Claro and Altice dominate.
Viettel has won spectrum in the Dominican Republic and will become the country’s fourth mobile operator. The award is a regulatory step, not a commercial launch, and no start date has been announced.
Viettel Wins Spectrum Tender
Viettel Global, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group. Won a tender for the right to use three radio-frequency bands in the Dominican Republic.
The announcement came on 21 August 2026, according to official statements. This is a spectrum award and concession step, not a commercial launch of services.
Therefore, customers will have to wait for the network to go live.
Details of the Spectrum Concession
Viettel Global obtained rights to 240 MHz of spectrum, in the 700 MHz. 2300 MHz and C-Band 3.6 GHz bands, under a 20-year concession.
The regulator INDOTEL issued Resolution 073-2026 on 19 August 2026, as part of International Public Tender Indotel/LPI-001-2026. In addition, the planned services are 4G and 5G mobile and public telecom services using the awarded spectrum.
In short, this gives Viettel the foundation to build a modern network.
Viettel’s Expansion in the Americas
Viettel and news releases state the Dominican Republic will be Viettel’s eleventh international telecom market. And its third in the Americas, once operations start.
Its other markets in the Americas are Peru and Haiti. Meanwhile, this expansion reflects Viettel’s strategy to grow beyond its home base.
However, the company has not yet revealed a consumer-facing brand for the Dominican market.
Investment and Market Entry
An industry report cites an approved Viettel investment plan of about US$560 million for the Dominican launch. That is a serious commitment for a market that is already concentrated.
As a result, Viettel would become the country’s fourth mobile operator. By contrast, the market is highly concentrated, with Claro as leader, Altice a strong second, and a smaller third player.
Understanding Spectrum and Its Role
Spectrum is the range of radio frequencies a mobile network uses. Governments auction it because there is a finite amount, and without it an operator cannot run a network.
For example, the 700 MHz band offers good coverage, while the 3.6 GHz band supports high-speed 5G. So Viettel’s mix of bands should help it deliver both reach and capacity.
What This Means for Consumers
Dominicans may eventually have a new choice for mobile services, but no launch date has been set. Still, the investment signals a long-term commitment.
Moreover, a fourth operator could increase competition over time. Even so, the market leaders are well established, so Viettel will need to differentiate itself.
Regulatory Process and Next Steps
The award came through Resolution 073-2026, issued by INDOTEL on 19 August 2026, as part of International Public Tender Indotel/LPI-001-2026. This is a formal step in the licensing process.
After the concession, Viettel must still build its network and obtain any additional approvals. Therefore, the commercial launch will likely take time.
Viettel’s Global Footprint
Viettel already operates in Peru and Haiti, so it knows the region. This new market will be its eleventh international telecom market.
In fact, the company is one of Vietnam’s largest telecom groups. However, the full list of its markets has not been disclosed in official statements.
Looking Ahead for Viettel
The spectrum award is a milestone, but the hard work begins now. Viettel must deploy equipment, hire staff, and market its services.
Once operations start, it will become the fourth operator in a market that needs more competition. Overall, this is a big bet on the Dominican Republic’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spectrum did Viettel win in the Dominican Republic?
Viettel Global won rights to 240 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, and C-Band 3.6 GHz bands. The concession lasts 20 years.
When will Viettel launch services in the Dominican Republic?
No launch date has been announced. The spectrum award is a regulatory step, not a commercial launch.
How much will Viettel invest in the Dominican Republic?
An industry report cites an approved investment plan of about US$560 million for the Dominican launch. This is a significant commitment.
Will Viettel be the fourth mobile operator in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, Viettel would become the country’s fourth mobile operator once operations start. The market is currently led by Claro, with Altice as a strong second.
Connected Coverage
Sources: INDOTEL; Viettel releases; telecom trade press.
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