The Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services Company (VMS) which operates the Mobifone network has announced it will apply for a 3G licence next month.

According to VMS General Director Le Ngoc Minh, the Ministry of Information and Communications will kick off its 3G licensing process in May.

"We’ve almost fulfilled preparations for financial resources, and an infrastructural platform and management to offer 3G services in the near future," said Minh.

MobiFone is collaborating with France Telecom to showcase the latter’s 3G services during an exhibition at the Phu Tho Stadium in District 11 that will run until tomorrow.

The expo is part of the on-going French Week in the city.

"We’re confident that our group has the right experience and expertise to become MobiFone’s strategic partner," said Anne Bouverot, France Telecom’s executive vice-president for International Business Development.

The French firm has provided 3G services to European customers since 2004, mostly under the Orange brand.

With their hand sets, its subscribers have access to services including 62 TV channels, over 20 radio stations and a music catalogue with more than one million titles and online games.

(Source: VNS)