7.3 million cell phone users expected by year end

The total number of cell phone subscribers in Vietnam will increase to 7.3 million by the end of 2005 and 21 million in 2008, according to a telecoms market researcher.

Currently, there are nearly 6 million cell phone subscribers in the country.

Market researcher BMI Group recently reported that Vietnam's mobile information market had been developing rapidly, recording a growth rate of 65 per cent in 2004.

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications reported that the country's telephone subscribers was currently at more than 10 million, or 10.4 telephones for every 100 people. Of the total subscribers, more than 50 per cent are mobile phone subscribers.

Vietnam News Agency, May 16, 2005