Pay TV and internet services providers can no longer have a monopoly at publicly and privately funded residential and office towers in Hanoi from June 5, offering residents and tenants a wide range of choices for services.
The government of Hanoi City issued a decision on May 27 banning monopolistic pay TV and internet services at high-rise buildings in the city. The decision takes effect ten days after the date of issuance.
The move comes after apartment residents have repeatedly complained about the exclusive cable TV and internet services agreements between building owners and services providers, which effectively prevent them from choosing other providers than those selected by building owners. Many high-rise building developers partner with one cable TV and internet provider.
The new decision requires developers to use at least two telecom firms or a backup one in each building block. Telecom systems must be user- and technician-friendly.
The decision requires telecom systems to be pre-installed in buildings of 10 stories or higher and those located in areas with poor telecom signals. Those systems must be built in a way that makes it easy for phone carriers to use and compatible with modern technologies.