10 ICT Events in 2004
On December 28, 2004, Vietnam Information Communication Technology Press Club (ICT Press Club) announced 10 ICT events in 2004 representing ICT development in Vietnam.
1. Thang Giong computers
Thanh Giong low-price computers project was launched by the Youth Union in September 2004. It has strong impact on the market price with CMS and Elead computers causing the introduction of other low-price trademarks such as G6 and Vibird..
2. Biggest inspection at VNPT
On November 6, 2004, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly received the communication of the government on the inspection at VNPT. Among 10 issues under inspection, 7 have been clarified and 3 remain with different views such as the bidding on IN system of Vinaphone, the distribution in the business cooperation between VNPT and Comvik, the telecommunication rates and the use of investment capital by VNPT.
3. Single rate for hand phones
On August 1, 2004, VNPT started applying single rate and 30-second block instead of one-minute for hand phones throughout Vietnam. Prior to it, on May 1, 2004, S-Fone had applied single rate and 10-second block. Following suite, Viettel also applied single rate and 6-second block. Customers get big profit in the competition while the companies can also save the expenses of management and development.
4. ICMS scandal
The attack by a hacker against websites of Vietnam press and Vinacomm caused an unprecedented event in the Vietnam Software competition. After consultation with concerned parties, lawyers and IT experts, the Organising Committee concluded the case and iCMS, the First Prize Winner had to return the Golden Cup and make an official apology.
5. Viettel links international optical cable
On September 21, 2004, Viettel linked with the international optical cable by direction of Hanoi - Haiphong - Quang Ninh - Mong Cai - Tungshing (China) - Hong Kong. It put an end to VNPT's monopoly and started competition in international services. Currently, the international channel costs 80 per cent of ISP charges, Viettel services can reduce it by 50 per cent. It is regarded as a breakthrough for Internet service in 2005.
6. Viettel Mobile starts operation
On December 15, 2004, Viettel Mobile, a military company, started the operation of its GSM network developed by Viettel and applying 2,5 G technology. It is increasing competition in the service.
7. Open source software in 2004-2008
On March 2, 2004, the Prime Minister signed Decision 235/2004/QD-TTg approving the general project on application and development of open source software in Vietnam in 2004-2008. The project will boost the application and development of open source software. This will help to protect copyright, reducing cost and developing the IT industry in general and the software industry in particular.
8. NGN network inaugurated
On November 19, 2004, VNPT officially launched a new service on Next Generation Network (NGN). It marks a new development in VNPT services with diversified and fast services combining with data, fixed and mobile sets with Internet of wide band. NGN is in line with the development of international and domestic services and is in the interests of customers.
9. Vietnam champion in Robocon 2004
It was the second time in three consecutive competitions that young Vietnamese students got the First Prize in Robocon Competition. Nguu Lang robot of the FXR team (Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City) defeated a Chinese robot in the final at Robocon 2004 organised in the Republic of Korea. At Robocon 2002 organised in Japan, Telematic-BK3 from Vietnam also won the First Prize.
10. Copyright inspection at computer companies
On May 5, 2004, economic police and market management force inspected three computer companies in Hanoi (SingPC, Vinh Trinh and Nhat Hai) finding violations of software copyrights. In November 2004, inspectors of the Ministry of Culture and Information in co-ordination with those of Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Public Security inspected two computer companies ( Phong Vu and Hoan Long) in Ho Chi Minh city, finding violations of software copyrights. The inspections have in some way restricted the violations.
Vietnamese
