NOW partners with Vietnam telco giant

MANILA, Philippines — NOW Corp. is teaming up with the information communication and technology (ICT) arm of Vietnam’s largest telecom player to develop market opportunities in the country.

In a stock exchange filing yesterday, NOW said it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Viettel Business Solutions Corp., a member of the Viettel Group, to provide ICT products and services in the Philippines.

The parties will implement a joint go-to-market strategy to bring Viettel-developed ICT solutions to NOW’s existing and future customers across multiple industry segments.

Participating in potential ICT biddings and exploiting the market of digital transformation consulting services, artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity in the country are likewise part of the agreement.

NOW said the cooperation also includes identification and development of solutions focusing on the essential needs of the target market segments, from government to small and medium enterprises.

The partnership makes the Philippines Viettel’s 11th overseas market when it comes to its ICT business portfolio.

Viettel Business Solutions is Viettel’s ICT arm in charge of developing and implementing ICT projects in Vietnam and in its overseas market where it operates.

Viettel is one of the largest telecom players in Southeast Asia, and the largest in Vietnam.

NOW, for its part, currently has access to broadband internet business called Fiber Air which provides broadband internet connection via fixed wireless mainly to the enterprise segment.

Part of the customer segments of NOW includes banking, logistics, education, hospitality, and even government.

The listed firm is part of the NOW group of Mel Velarde, which earlier expressed strong interest to venture into television and radio broadcasting.

The group’s broadcasting affiliates have applied for radio frequencies and have ongoing applications for direct terrestrial television broadcast.

NOW Telecom, which is looking to position itself as the country’s fourth major telecommunications player,  is currently setting the stage for its public listing as well as its 5G network rollout.