Ho Chi Minh City has joined hands with military-run mobile network operator Viettel to turn the southern metropolis into a ‘smart city.’

The municipal People’s Committee on Friday evening signed a cooperative agreement with the telecoms group regarding the establishment of a smart city in 2017-20, with a vision toward 2025.

Viettel executives underlined several obstacles the southern hub has been facing in its development, including traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and limited infrastructural development resources.

The military-run firm asserted the necessity of creating a centralized monitoring center to resolve the issues.

The center will consist of several units in charge of different tasks, namely supervising traffic and fighting crime, receiving and analyzing emergency information such as firefighting and search and rescue missions, monitoring and ensuring information safety, managing media information, and answering citizens’ inquiries regarding public services.

The centralized facility will access data from local camera systems to manage traffic situations and ensure order and security.

Regarding emergency requests, a unit will operate in a manner similar to the 911 service in the United States, with the ability to locate callers, access surveillance camera footage, and send rescue teams in a prompt manner.

Press and media information will also be monitored closely to prevent an information crisis.

According to Tong Viet Trung, deputy general director of Viettel, the centralized monitoring center will be helpful for local authorities thanks to its sufficient and accurate database.

All information kept at the center will be protected with maximum security measures, Trung added.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration Nguyen Thanh Phong stated that the smart city project had been approved by the municipal Party Committee and People’s Council.

A meeting will be convened on November 25 to discuss a detailed plan, Chairman Phong continued.

The official considered the handshake between the city and Viettel a significant millstone, which will play an important part in achieving sustainable development.

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