In the context of strong digital transformation, the demand for Internet connection in Vietnam is increasing rapidly in both the number of users and devices. However, the current network infrastructure still has bottlenecks when the IPv4 address source is increasingly depleted, while new technologies such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence or smart cities require larger, more stable and secure connection capabilities.
Faced with that reality, switching to IPv6-only is no longer a simple technical choice but is becoming an inevitable requirement to expand the development space of digital infrastructure, while creating a platform for new generation digital services in the near future.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper about this issue, Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Internet Center (Ministry of Science and Technology) said that the complete transition to IPv6-only is a strategic transformation to build a modern, safe and efficient digital infrastructure according to Decision 3369/QD-BKHCN.
According to Ms. Hien, with the national digital infrastructure, the first benefit is to expand the almost infinite connection space. IPv6 thoroughly solves the situation of IPv4 address depletion, creating conditions to realize the goal of each citizen, each device having a separate digital address. When deploying IPv6-only, the network infrastructure is also optimized in a "flat" direction, eliminating intermediate layers such as NAT. This helps end-to-end connection, reduces latency, increases access speed and improves the stability of the Internet.
The IPv6-only protocol is also designed with integrated security features. Identifying devices more accurately helps increase network administration efficiency, while supporting the prevention of attack risks in cyberspace.
From the perspective of developing the new generation of the Internet, IPv6-only plays a foundational role for the Internet of Things. Billions of sensors and machines in factories and smart cities can be connected directly, allowing real-time operation and monitoring with low latency. This is an important condition for industrial Internet development.
Along with that, a large-scale and high-performance Internet infrastructure will create a favorable environment for innovation. Services such as self-driving cars, remote healthcare, augmented reality or artificial intelligence applications all need large bandwidth and continuous connection to have conditions for stronger development.
For businesses, having a unified national roadmap according to Decision 3369 helps units proactively build long-term strategies, invest in products and solutions on the IPv6 platform without worrying about risks of compatibility or technological backwardness. For users, digital service experience is also more convenient and safer. Gradually eliminating IPv4 helps reduce operating costs for network operators, thereby bringing indirect economic benefits.
In terms of international position, Vietnam has a favorable platform to move towards IPv6-only. As of December 2025, the IPv6 application rate reached 67.68%, ranking 7th globally. The IPv6-only conversion program for the period 2026-2030 has been approved under Decision 3369/QD-BKHCN dated October 27, 2025, showing determination not only to keep up but also to catch up with the technological trend of the world.
