HANOI: The Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) has imposed a fine of VNĐ171 million (US$7,659) on Viettel Group due to its non-compliance with ABEI’s rules, according to information published on ABEI.gov.vn.
The authority issued a fine of VNĐ140 million ($6,271) on Viettel for supplying mobile pay-television services without the necessary license. The service was launched last year. Inspectors also found that Viettel, which also has a cable service, provides unregistered channels in eight cities and provinces, including Hà Nội, HCM City, Đà Nẵng, Hải Phòng, Cân Thơ, Khánh Hòa, Lâm Đồng and Đắk Lắk.
In addition, Viettel has yet to supply film programmes matching ABEI’s license to provide pay-TV services, which incurred an additional fine of VNĐ15 million ($671.9). Established in 2009, Viettel has grown remarkably to become Việt Nam’s leading mobile operator and has expanded to 10 countries abroad.
