The U.S.-based SpaceX has been granted permission by the Vietnamese Prime Minister to launch a pilot program for its Starlink satellite internet service in Vietnam, utilizing low-orbit satellite technology. This marks the first time a globally significant telecommunications project like Starlink will be tested in Vietnam, promising high-speed internet access across the entire country, from mainland areas to offshore regions and in-flight services.
Under Decision 659/QD-TTg, Starlink will operate on a trial basis for five years, starting from the date the enterprise established by SpaceX in Vietnam receives its telecommunications service license. The pilot phase is set to conclude before January 1, 2031. During this period, the service will be capped at a maximum of 600,000 subscribers, encompassing both direct users and those accessing it through telecom companies reselling the service.
Starlink will offer two main service types: fixed satellite services, providing internet access and dedicated channels for mobile transmission stations, and mobile satellite services, enabling internet access at sea and on airplanes. The deployment will span nationwide, offering connectivity solutions to hard-to-reach areas where traditional networks have struggled to provide coverage.
To ensure smooth operations, SpaceX must strictly comply with Vietnam’s national defense and security requirements, as well as telecommunications and radio frequency regulations. The Ministry of Science and Technology will oversee the implementation, working alongside the Ministries of Defense and Public Security to ensure transparency and safety. Any violation of the pilot conditions could lead to the termination of operations and revocation of the license.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy, while also showcasing openness to foreign investment, with no restrictions on SpaceX’s ownership stake. In the coming years, Vietnamese users can look forward to experiencing cutting-edge satellite internet from Starlink, ushering in a new era of nationwide connectivity.
There are 6,370 Starlink satellites in orbit! Target 42,000—super-fast internet coming to every corner of the world!
