The Hanoi Times - Thanks to the 50 percent discount offered by the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) last September, international call charges from Vietnam are lower than any other country in the region. The group’s 2008 revenue increased 19 percent against over 2007, at more than 55 trillion VND (3.2 billion USD), even in the face of the current financial difficulties that are affecting the economy.  These figures were announced during a press conference in Hanoi by Bui Quoc Viet, director of the VNPT’s Information Centre.  During 2008, VNPT added 22 million subscribers to its list of phone users, increasing the number of its subscribers to 49 million.  The launch of Viet Nam ’s first satellite, Vinasat-1, into orbit in April 2008 was a breakthrough improvement in telecommunications infrastructure, helping local service providers, including VNPT, to expand their networks and services.  The telecommunications sector is expected to experience even tougher competition in 2009 when Vietnam opens the industry to foreign service providers, in line with its WTO commitments.  However, VNPT plans to increase its revenue during 2009 to around 60 trillion VND whilst making further reductions to call charges.