On March 26, 2025, the Vietnamese government granted a pilot license to Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) to provide broadband internet services through its Starlink satellite technology. This significant move marks Vietnam's entry into the realm of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite telecommunications, aiming to enhance internet access across the country.
The pilot program, authorized under Document No. 659, allows SpaceX to conduct a controlled investment project in telecommunications infrastructure using LEO satellite technology. Notably, the initiative is designed to adhere to national defense and security protocols while removing restrictions on foreign ownership percentages, investment capital, and funding ratios for foreign investors.
According to a representative from the Ministry of Information and Communications, the pilot program is set to last for five years, with the possibility of extension if the project successfully obtains a full telecommunications service license. The ministry emphasized that companies established in Vietnam must comply with all relevant regulations and licensing conditions to create favorable conditions for both telecommunications businesses and users.
As part of the pilot, SpaceX is expected to evaluate user needs and related equipment for telecommunications services utilizing Vietnamese technology. The project will not only enhance internet connectivity but also foster local technological development.
The types of services to be piloted include fixed satellite services, which encompass internet access and leased channels for mobile receiving and transmitting stations, as well as mobile satellite services, providing internet access at sea and on aircraft. The maximum number of subscribers for the pilot program is projected to reach 600,000, combining all telecommunications service subscribers from companies established in Vietnam and those purchasing services from these companies.
The decision to allow SpaceX's Starlink service comes amid a growing demand for high-speed internet access in Vietnam, a country that has seen rapid digital transformation in recent years. The initiative is expected to bridge the connectivity gap in rural and underserved areas, where traditional internet infrastructure may be lacking.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's directive highlights the importance of ensuring compliance with national security and defense requirements throughout the pilot project. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the project, coordinating with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to develop mechanisms for monitoring adherence to legal requirements and conditions.
Starlink, a project initiated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, utilizes a constellation of satellites launched into low Earth orbit to provide global internet coverage. Currently, Starlink services are operational in 116 countries and regions, including four ASEAN nations: the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.
This pilot program represents a significant milestone for Vietnam as it seeks to modernize its telecommunications landscape. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, the government aims to improve internet access for its citizens, particularly in remote areas where traditional internet services may not be feasible.
As the pilot project unfolds, the Vietnamese government will conduct regular evaluations to ensure that SpaceX and any local partners adhere to the stipulated regulations. This oversight aims to foster a transparent environment for telecommunications services while safeguarding national interests.
The collaboration between SpaceX and Vietnamese companies is expected to enhance local capacity in telecommunications infrastructure and service delivery. This partnership is crucial for the sustainable development of Vietnam's digital economy.
With the growing reliance on internet connectivity for education, business, and communication, the successful implementation of the Starlink pilot project could pave the way for further innovations in Vietnam's telecommunications sector.
As the pilot progresses, stakeholders will be keenly observing its impact on the market and whether it can meet the high expectations set by both the government and the public. The initiative not only promises to enhance internet access but also aims to stimulate economic growth by providing reliable connectivity for various industries.
In conclusion, the launch of SpaceX's Starlink pilot program in Vietnam marks a pivotal step toward improving internet connectivity and technological development in the country. As the project unfolds over the next five years, it will be essential for all parties involved to ensure compliance with regulations and to prioritize national security while striving to meet the growing demands of the Vietnamese population.
