The military-run mobile operator Viettel on Wednesday officially launched its telephone information service, thus entering into competition with the popular 1080 service provided by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Groups (VNPT).

Viettel will operate this service on four different switchboards. Particularly, users can dial 1060 for social, cultural and entertainment information, 1066 for labor and employment information, 1068 for socio-economic inquiry and 1069 for sports and legal consultancy.

Initially, the mobile operator only provides information service by voice. In the future, it will add texts and messages.

The service is introduced to meet the demand for information search of those who rarely approach the internet or print media. Viettel has struck deals with several enterprises active in various fields to obtain a diverse database.

The information service is deployed with the operating model focusing on Hanoi and HCMC. Fixed and mobile subscribers can get connected to the switchboards without entering the area codes.

Meanwhile, non-subscribers must add Hanoi’s city code 04 or HCMC’s 08 before the switchboard numbers to gain access. Viettel’s new service is launched on the national scale, unlike VNPT’s 1080 service rolled out on the provincial scale.

The service provider said it is applying the latest switchboard system, allowing unlimited call reception with a staff of some 6,000 members.

The Saigon Times Daily