According to the Viet Nam Internet Network Information Centre (VNNIC), by the end of June, the number of internet users reached a whopping 31 million (35.40 per cent of the population), of which 4.3 million are landline broadband subscribers.

The ranking maintains the country's 8th place in Asia and 3rd place in Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), according to the VNNIC ­– which is affiliated with the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC).

VNNIC's director Tran Minh Tam said better network infrastructure and services were behind the increasing number of users, which helped the country to maintain its high position in recent years.

"Internet service providers are offering more types of internet access with wider coverage, instead of the orthodox ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscription Line) access" he said.

Mr. Vu The Binh Director of NetNam ­- a prominent internet service provider - explained that "While Viet Nam's and the world's economies are still in difficulty, it is very encouraging that Viet Nam is in a high position of internet development."

Mr. Binh said good pricing policies, especially those applied to 3G (third generation network) wireless access, will further increase the number of internet users.

According to the MIC's internet development plan, landline broadband currently reaches 6-8 subscribers per 100 people, but will increase to 15-20 subscribers per 100 people.

Meanwhile, the number of households with access to the internet is currently at 35-40% of total households, and will increase to 45-50% by 2020.