Lao Cai: Standardizing digital infrastructure, creating a foundation for digital government, economy and society

The synchronous investment and modernization of information technology infrastructure in Lao Cai is being strongly implemented, not only contributing to the effective operation of digital government but also creating a solid foundation for the development of digital economy and digital society. In particular, after completing the arrangement of administrative units, the province is urgently standardizing and upgrading technical infrastructure, towards the stage of comprehensive digital development.

Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệ•04/11/2025

Currently, Lao Cai effectively operates many key information technology systems such as the Data Integration Center (DC), the Information Security Monitoring Center (SOC), the LGSP data connection and sharing system, the security and traffic camera system, and the online video conferencing network covering 100% of communes and wards. These are key foundations to ensure smooth direction and operation and improve service efficiency for people and businesses.

After completing the administrative unit arrangement, the province quickly standardized the entire information technology infrastructure from the provincial to the communal level. The LAN system, terminal equipment, specialized data transmission network and video conferencing system were upgraded synchronously. Notably, the Provincial Data Center meets Tier 2+ standards, has the capacity to securely connect to national platforms and is ready to integrate with the intelligent operating system (IOC) and shared database in the future.

Currently, the province's dedicated data transmission network connects to 561 points from the provincial to the commune level, with transmission speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. 100% of cadres, civil servants and public employees are equipped with computers connected to the Internet (except for confidential word processing equipment), showing that the information technology infrastructure is ready to serve comprehensive e-government.

Lào Cai: Chuẩn hóa hạ tầng số, tạo nền tảng cho chính quyền, kinh tế và xã hội số- Ảnh 1. — *Lao Cai is one of the localities with the highest telecommunications and Internet coverage in the country. Fiber optic cables have been deployed to 100% of communes, wards and 98.2% of villages.*

Regarding telecommunications infrastructure, Lao Cai is one of the localities with the highest telecommunications and Internet coverage in the country. Fiber optic cables have been deployed to 100% of communes, wards and 98.2% of villages.

By September 2025, the province will have more than 4,000 mobile transmission stations, including 3G, 4G networks and 92 5G stations; 4G coverage will reach 99.5%, the rate of households connecting to fixed broadband Internet will reach 72%. The province is coordinating with network operators VNPT and Viettel to achieve the target of 100% coverage by 2026.

Mr. Tran Ky Anh, Deputy Director of VNPT Yen Bai , said, we are accelerating 4G coverage to 100% of villages and hamlets; deploying 5G in urban areas and industrial parks; at the same time expanding transmission infrastructure, improving fixed broadband network capacity so that every household can connect to fiber optic Internet.

At the same time, VNPT Lao Cai is building a Data and Information Operation Center in Yen Bai ward - a project expected to become a highlight in the development of centralized data infrastructure, contributing to the effective operation of digital government, digital economy and digital society.

Not only investing in physical infrastructure, Lao Cai also actively applies new technologies such as IoT in smart agriculture, blockchain to trace product origin, and cloud computing for public service operations and operating systems.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Nhan, Head of Digital Transformation Department, Department of Science and Technology of Lao Cai province, said that information technology infrastructure is the 'backbone' of the digital transformation process. Standardizing infrastructure helps the province shift from a decentralized management model to a centralized operation based on data and technology; at the same time, creating conditions for effective deployment of smart operating platforms and artificial intelligence in the coming time."

In 2025, the province has allocated more than 565 billion VND for science, technology and digital transformation tasks; the field of information technology infrastructure and e-government alone has been allocated over 183 billion VND, clearly demonstrating political determination in building a modern, transparent administration to serve people and businesses.

With a clear orientation, synchronous infrastructure and strong determination, Lao Cai is firmly moving forward to become a pioneer in connecting digital infrastructure, the foundation for the era of comprehensive digital transformation.